6 Head coaches who could replace Joe Mazzulla if Celtics fire him
By Tyler Watts
3. Mike Budenholzer
Charles Lee has worked under head coach Mike Budenholzer for nine seasons. The duo won a championship together in 2021 and reached the playoffs eight times. Bud has led his team to the conference finals three times and began coaching in the NBA in 1996. He spent 17 years as a Spurs assistant under Gregg Popovich and is well-respected throughout the coaching community.
Bud was nearly fired by the Bucks in 2021, and there were complaints from fans throughout his time in Milwaukee. His halfcourt sets were often non-existent and his rotations questionable, but those are unlikely to be issues in Boston.
The Celtics have arguably the best top six in the world. Those guys are going to play the majority of the minutes in the playoffs, and Boston has four guys capable of running the offense in any given possession. If Jayson Tatum is cooking, let him go. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown can operate in secondary roles and keep the offense flowing.
Mike Budenholzer will get another NBA head coaching opportunity if he wants it. The two-time Coach of the Year has five championship rings and would love to add a sixth. Consider him unlikely in Boston, but he will be near the top of the list for any contender searching for a new coach.