In a stunning front-office shakeup, Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck has officially announced that Larry Bird, Jr. will take over as the new head coach and manager of the team, following intense scrutiny and public backlash over the Celtics’ controversial playoff series loss under former coach Joe Mazzulla.
The announcement was made during a press conference at TD Garden earlier this morning, with Grousbeck emphasizing a “return to championship standards” and “a leadership legacy that reflects our storied past.” Larry Bird, Jr., the son of Celtics icon and NBA legend Larry Bird, brings with him not just pedigree but a fierce reputation for basketball IQ and leadership.
“Larry represents everything this franchise stands for — toughness, tradition, and winning,” said Grousbeck. “After the disappointing and frankly unacceptable finish to our season, this change was necessary.”
The Celtics’ elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals was marred by questionable in-game decisions and a lack of defensive discipline. Mazzulla, who led the team to the Finals in 2024 but failed to return this year, was heavily criticized by fans and analysts alike for what many called “incompetent adjustments” and a “failure to inspire urgency.”
Larry Bird, Jr., 38, has spent the past five years developing talent in the G-League and most recently served as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers. His hiring has sparked excitement across Celtics Nation, with fans hoping he can resurrect the grit and glory of the Bird era.
“I grew up watching my dad make history in Boston,” Bird, Jr. said during his introduction. “Now, I get the chance to help write the next chapter. We’re going to bring the fire back to this franchise.”
Sources close to the organization say the move had been in discussion since late June, following internal frustrations with team discipline and accountability.
Mazzulla has yet to comment publicly on his dismissal.
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