Joe Mazzulla on Patriots after Super Bowl run: ‘They’ll be back’

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Joe Mazzulla on Patriots after Super Bowl run: ‘They’ll be back’

Souichi Terada · MassLive

Fri, Feb 13, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla , as he watched the Patriots play in the Super Bowl last weekend, reminisced on past Super Bowls he got to watch growing up. Whether it was the Malcolm Butler interception or Adam Vinatieri knocking in a game-winning field goal, Mazzulla said it took him back to those moments.

Mazzulla was asked for his thoughts on the Patriots ’ playoff run on a recent appearance on 98.5’s Zolak and Bertrand . Mazzulla also believed the Patriots aren’t done after making it to the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first season in New England .

“It was a great day to just reflect on those moments, but also the responsibility and the opportunity and ownership to be part of Boston,” Mazzulla said. “I think what the Patriots did this year was carry on the ownership and the expectation of going after greatness and success. I’m thankful that we have that example and it was great to learn from that. They’ll be back, I know that.”

The Patriots fell short to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl after exceeding every preseason expectation. Quarterback Drake Maye was a legit MVP candidate, falling just short to Matthew Stafford in the voting. While the Patriots struggled in the Super Bowl, it’s clear the organization’s future looks bright after some lean years.

Mazzulla and Vrabel also have a budding relationship. Mazzulla visited a Patriots practice last July, getting to take in a different sport and perspective.

“Joe’s fantastic,” Vrabel said last summer . “I appreciate him, just from the time that I got here, reaching out. ... We probably are different personalities. I think that’s probably the thing I appreciate most about him.”

Mazzulla, now in his fourth season leading the Celtics, has spoken at length about what it means to coach one of the pro teams in Boston. He’s shown a deep appreciation for the Celtics’ history as the winningest organization in NBA history. Mazzulla helped lead the C’s to the 2024 NBA championship.

The Celtics enter the All-Star break at 35-19, good for second in the East. Much like the Patriots, they’ve blown past their preseason expectations even with Jayson Tatum sidelined with an Achilles injury.

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