Why Joe Mazzulla Won’t Coach Celtics’ Preseason Opener Against Cavaliers originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Joe Mazzulla won’t have his usual head coaching responsibilities for the Boston Celtics‘ preseason opener.
Instead, two of Mazzulla’s assistant coaches will take turns leading the Celtics against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ahead of Thursday’s matchup, the Celtics announced that Tony Dobbins will handle lead coaching responsibilities in the first half. DJ MacLeay will then take over for the second half.
The Celtics did not reveal a specific reason for the unusual coaching arrangement.
Mazzulla, of course, remains Boston’s head coach.
For tonight’s preseason game at Cleveland, our assistant coaches will take on lead coaching responsibilities. Tony Dobbins will coach the first half and DJ MacLeay will coach the second half. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM EST on NBC Sports Boston.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 8, 2026
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Dobbins joined Boston’s coaching staff in 2020 after spending two seasons as a Celtics video coordinator. He previously enjoyed a 13-year professional playing career.
MacLeay joined the Celtics as a player-enhancement coach in 2021 before being promoted to assistant coach in 2022.
The Celtics and Cavaliers tip off at 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Following Thursday’s game, the Celtics will return to Boston to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday and the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
The Celtics will close the preseason against the 76ers in Philadelphia on Oct. 16.