The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have named Justin Mazzulla as their new head coach for the 2026 season.
Mazzulla is the younger brother of current Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, and replaces David DeAveiro whose contract was not renewed after last season. At the age of 27, he becomes the youngest head coach in CEBL history.
“Justin Mazzulla represents the exact standard of excellence we want for the Ottawa BlackJacks” said Ottawa BlackJacks General Manager, James Derouin. “He has been a key part of the NBA’s most innovative coaching rooms, and he brings a championship-caliber blueprint to our organization. We aren’t just looking to compete; we are looking to lead the league in innovation and intensity. Justin is the architect to get us there.”
A former NCAA Div 1 player at George Washington and Vermont, Mazzulla joined the University of Rhode Island coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2022. From there, he would go on to hold several positions with the Utah Jazz including Assistant Video Coordinator, as well as Assistant coach for the Salt Lake City Stars (Utah’s G-League affiliate).
“I chose Ottawa because the ownership, front office and leaders believed in me and were willing to give me a chance,” said Mazzulla. “Fearless, fast and fun were the pillars they put forth and it sounded like a great opportunity to join and build around the Ottawa culture and community.”
The BlackJacks open their season on Tuesday May 12th against the Calgary Surge at TD Place in Ottawa.
Photo: Ottawa BlackJacks.