Joe Mazzulla shares what has impressed him during Patriots’ Super Bowl run

Boston Celtics

“They’re a team that’s developed identity over the course of the season.”

Count Joe Mazzulla among the many other sports fans in New England who has been impressed by the Patriots’ improbable run to Super Bowl LX. 

New England’s turnaround from a four-win squad to a true title contender in one season exceeded just about every expectation set by fans and the media in 2025 — with the Patriots buying into Mike Vrabel’s vision of a hard-nosed, physical team that has taken advantage of the opposition’s miscues all season along. 

For Mazzulla, that buy-in from the players to Vrabel’s preachings has been the key reason for the Patriots’ success. 

“I just think they’re a team that’s developed identity over the course of the season,” Mazzulla said of the Patriots ahead of the Celtics’ home game against the Trail Blazers on Monday. “I think every coach, regardless of sport, is looking for that, creating that type of identity and consistency and playing to that throughout an entire season. I think they are a great example of that this year.”

Mazzulla has been a familiar face around Gillette Stadium since taking over as head coach of the Celtics. 

During Patriots training camp in July, Mazzulla and his stepston, Michael Harden, were guests of Vrabel and took in a practice in the fields behind Gillette Stadium. 

“Joe is fantastic. I appreciate him just from the time that I got here, reaching out,” Vrabel said. “We’re probably different personalities and I think that that’s probably what I appreciate the most about him.”

“He’s always trying to learn and gain knowledge different ways about building a team, about strategy, about scheme, about inspiring players to do their job. I always love my conversations with him, and I’m excited that he was able to come out here with his son today.”

With the Patriots now less than two weeks away from Super Bowl LX, Celtics team owner Bill Chisholm drew a large cheer from the TD Garden crowd on Monday after wearing a “I [Heart] Drake Maye” sweatshirt while watching the Celtics from the parquet floor. 

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.