Former WVU Guard Joe Mazzulla Gets Ejected in First Loss as Celtics Head Coach

This season is going to be one of a lot of firsts for Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.

The West Virginia product was able to secure his first win in the season opener, but Monday night provided Mazzulla two less desirable firsts. Boston lost to the Chicago Bulls, handing Mazzulla his first loss. He was even ejected during the game, the first such occurrence of his new career as an NBA head coach.

As you can see from the video below, Mazzulla appeared confused when informed by the refs that he was being tossed. Mazzulla keeps true to his personality by makes his displeasure known while staying calm and collected as he walks off the court.

Joe Mazzulla ejected from #Celtics vs. #Bulls late in 3rd quarter pic.twitter.com/nJj4kiYCY4

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 25, 2022

Mazzulla took over Boston’s head coaching duties for the suspended Ime Udoka, who violated the Celtics’ organization rules. The ex-Mountaineer will serve as the interim head coach for the 2022-23 season for now.

Mazzulla, who played guard at West Virginia from 2006-11, has worked his way up the coaching ladder over the past decade. Mazzulla has served as a coaching assistant for the Celtics since 2019, coaching under Brad Stevens and Udoka. Mazzulla was recently interviewed for the opened Utah Jazz job, making it all the way to interviews with the organization.

During his WVU days, Mazzulla was most known for his 17-point performance in the 2010 Elite Eight against Kentucky. Mazzulla stepped in for an injured Truck Bryant, helping the Mountaineers reach their first Final Four since 1959. Mazzulla played 145 career games at West Virginia.