Former Celtic Reportedly Earns Promotion With G-League Affiliate

When the Boston Celtics return to the court for the 2025-26 campaign, they are going to look quite different. The group of coaches on the sidelines is going to look a little bit different too, as head coach Joe Mazzulla appears set to lose one of his assistants.

Phil Pressey, who was a player enhancement coach on Mazzulla’s staff, reportedly is set to be named the new head coach of Boston’s G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.

“Boston Celtics player enhancement coach Phil Pressey will be named head coach of the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, league sources told HoopsHype,” Michael Scotto reported. “Pressey spent two seasons with the Celtics as a player, appearing in 125 games during his first two seasons in the NBA.”

After spending two seasons with the Celtics during his playing career, Pressey latched on as a member of Mazzulla’s coaching staff in 2023. He may not be one of Mazzulla’s top assistants, but Pressey’s departure will leave a hole in Boston’s coaching staff.

After winning a title last season, the team lost several assistant coaches after Charles Lee accepted the Charlotte Hornets head coaching gig and took some of Mazzulla’s henchmen with him.

Pressey won’t be doing the same thing, but this creates another area of need for the C’s in what is quickly becoming a lengthy list. However, you can make an argument that adding another experienced assistant or two to Mazzulla’s staff was an underrated priority entering the offseason.

One of the Celtics greatest assets in recent seasons has been their ability to develop talent internally, and that starts with their team in Maine. Last year, the C’s G-League affiliate posted a 21-13 record before losing in the playoff semifinals.

Pressey’s rise through the ranks with Boston has led to him earning his first shot at being a head coach. And if all goes well here, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him earn another promotion in the near future.