Joe Mazzulla taking inspiration from the animal kingdom as he leads Celtics

Joe Mazzulla was thrust into the Boston Celtics head coaching job in October 2022 with very little notice. Brad Stevens chose to elevate him as acting head coach after suspending Ime Udoka for breaching organizational policy. 

At first, the Celtics fanbase wasn't on board with Mazzulla's approach to basketball. He came across as brash in press conferences and rarely called timeouts. His analytical approach saw the Celtics dramatically increase their three-point rate, which rubbed many fans the wrong way. 

Later that season, the Celtics parted ways with Udoka permanently and put their faith in Mazzulla long-term. That faith was rewarded this past season as Mazzulla led the Celtics to their first championship in 16 years. Along the way, his personality grew on Celtics fans as everybody embraced his quirkiness and different approach to viewing the game.

During a recent interview with John Karalis on the "Locked On Celtics" podcast, Mazzulla's quirks were back on full display. The championship-winning head coach explained why he views the animal kingdom as the "purest form of hierarchy and role definition."

“I think just studying the animal kingdom in general gives you a direct sense of humility, pride, hierarchy, self-awareness,” Mazzulla said. “You have to be all those things if you want to survive…the animal kingdom is the most purest form of hierarchy and role definition that there is. Everybody plays their role. If you step outside of it, you get killed.”