Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla appeared to pay tribute to former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick ahead of Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Mazzulla attended his pregame press conference wearing a hoodie with the sleeves cut off at the elbows, a nod to the commonly-worn outfit by Belichick throughout his time on the Patriots’ sideline.
Belichick, of course, parted ways with New England on Thursday after 24 seasons as coach of the franchise. The 71-year-old could often be seen wearing a gray Patriots sweatshirt with cutoff sleeves, and Mazzulla appeared to be honoring him with his outfit choice on Thursday afternoon.
Joe Mazzulla in hoodie with cut off sleeves at pregame media session, seemingly a nod to Bill Belichick. pic.twitter.com/5JF4NHw59T
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) January 11, 2024
Belichick departs New England having won six Super Bowls and boasting a record of 266-121 throughout his 24-year tenure. He coached the team in 42 playoff games, winning 30 of them. His legacy in the area can’t be understated, and Mazzulla showed his respect for Belichick ahead of an important clash for the Celtics.
During the press conference, Mazzulla was asked about Belichick’s departure from the Patriots.
Mazzulla reacts to Belichick and the #Patriots parting ways, along with what he learned from Bill: "I would say we share a similar sense of humor"
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) January 11, 2024
"One of the best coaches of all time. What he's been able to do, I'm thankful for the relationship that him and I have built." pic.twitter.com/2TYNEIinCX
“I don’t have a reaction to that. I have a reaction to Bill as a coach, as a friend, as one of the best coaches of all time and what he’s been able to do,” said Mazzulla, via Celtics CLNS. “I’m thankful for the relationship him and I have built, and I’ve gotten to learn from him, gotten to talk to him.”
Mazzulla also joked that he shares a similar sense of humor with the usually stern Belichick, and said he was inspired by the coaching careers of individuals like him and former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, who retired Wednesday.
