According to ESPN, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will serve as interim coach. The Celtics’ press release announcing Udoka’s firing did not contain any insight into who will take over the team. Udoka released a personal statement after Boston’s announcement: “I want to apologize to our players, our fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation and I accept Team decision Out of respect for all involved, I will have no further comment.” The reason for Udoka’s suspension is an alleged consensual but inappropriate relationship with a team staff member, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday. Udoka considered resigning his position, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. however, he reportedly decided not to resign. Boston hired Udoka last June after Brad Stevens, Udoka’s predecessor, took over as team president. The Celtics started 23-24 under Udoka, but dominated the rest of the regular season winning 28 of their last 35 games. They finished with the best defense in the NBA and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. Boston eventually lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. Prior to joining the Celtics, Udoka was an assistant coach for nine seasons spending seven on Gregg Popovich’s staff with the San Antonio Spurs a year ago with Brett Brown with the Philadelphia 76ers and Steve Nash with the Brooklyn Nets. Mazzulla was an assistant coach under both Udoka and Stevens, having been hired by then-president Danny Ainge in 2019. Earlier this offseason, he interviewed for the open Utah Jazz head coaching position, which ultimately went to the former assistant Celtics coach Will Hardy. Boston then promoted Mazzulla to a front bench role, according to the Boston Globe. In 2013-14, Mazzulla began his coaching career as an assistant at Fairmont State. He left after three years to join the Celtics’ G League affiliate, then known as the Maine Red Claws, for one year. He returned to Fairmont State where he coached for two years leading the team to a 43-17 record and a first round exit in the 2019 NCAA Division II Tournament.
