Joe Mazzulla to headline University of Cincinnati Tip-Off Dinner

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla will headline the University of Cincinnati’s 2026 Tip-Off Dinner on September 23 at Fifth Third Arena. The event features a panel discussion with Jerrod Calhoun, the current Bearcats head coach who previously hired Mazzulla as an assistant at Fairmont State in 2013.

Mazzulla, who led the Celtics to the 2024 NBA championship and was named the 2025/26 NBA Coach of the Year, has expressed a humble perspective on his professional achievements. He has stated that he does not view himself as a ‘championship coach,’ arguing that tying one's identity to a single achievement can lead to failure. He attributes team success to the collective work of the players and coaching staff rather than individual accolades.