BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Fills TD Garden as Celtics Legend Larry Bird Returns to Boston as Senior Coach
Boston, MA – A thunderous wave of cheers erupted through TD Garden this morning as news broke that Larry Bird, the iconic Boston Celtics legend and one of the greatest players in NBA history, is officially returning to the franchise—this time not in uniform, but on the bench. Bird, 68, has agreed to join the Celtics’ coaching staff as a Senior Coach and Advisor, marking a monumental homecoming for a figure synonymous with the glory days of Boston basketball.
The announcement came during a surprise press conference held by the Celtics front office just hours before the team’s final practice ahead of the NBA Summer League. Team Governor Wyc Grousbeck and President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens delivered the electrifying news to a room packed with media, players, and longtime fans.
“Today marks the return of a legend—not just of the game, but of this city,” Stevens said, flanked by a Celtics jersey bearing Bird’s familiar No. 33. “Larry Bird is Boston. His mind for the game, his leadership, and his championship DNA are invaluable. We’re beyond thrilled to welcome him back.”
Bird, who spent his entire 13-year playing career with the Celtics (1979–1992), led the team to three NBA Championships (1981, 1984, 1986) and earned three consecutive MVP awards from 1984 to 1986. He later coached the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000, earning NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1998 and guiding the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000. Bird then served as President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers for over a decade, building competitive teams and earning the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2012.
Now, he brings that extensive wealth of experience back to where his basketball journey began.
“I never really left Boston in spirit,” Bird said in his signature straightforward tone. “This place made me who I am. I’ve always followed the team closely. When Brad called, I didn’t hesitate. I still love the game, and I believe I can help these guys reach the next level.”
His return comes at a critical time for the Celtics, who are fresh off a deep playoff run and are viewed as perennial championship contenders. Bird’s role will focus on mentoring both players and coaches, contributing to strategy development, and fostering a culture of toughness, discipline, and pride—qualities that defined his playing days.
For Celtics fans, many of whom grew up idolizing Bird, the announcement feels like a dream come true.
“I’ve got goosebumps,” said longtime season ticket holder Michael Sullivan, 54. “Larry Bird was our hero. Seeing him back in the building—this is like watching history being rewritten in real-time.”
Even current players echoed the sentiment. Celtics star Jayson Tatum took to social media shortly after the announcement: “Larry Legend back in green? Let’s goooo!! 🐐🍀”
Bird is expected to be a regular presence at team practices, games, and front office meetings. According to sources inside the organization, his insight will also be tapped in player development and scouting.
The Celtics’ coaching staff, led by head coach Joe Mazzulla, has expressed nothing but enthusiasm for Bird’s involvement. Mazzulla called it a “masterclass opportunity” for both himself and the roster.
“Having Larry around is like getting direct access to basketball royalty,” Mazzulla said. “His IQ, intensity, and sheer love for the Celtics—those are things that elevate an entire organization.”
Bird’s return is also seen as a bridge between eras—a symbol that the franchise’s championship tradition is alive and well. In a league where player movement and coaching turnover are common, Bird’s loyalty to one team remains a beacon of consistency and pride.
As he walked across the TD Garden floor during his first official day back, fans could be heard chanting “Larry! Larry!” just like they did decades ago. The moment wasn’t lost on him.
“I had a lot of great memories on this court,” Bird said, looking around the arena. “It’s time to make a few more.”
In a season already brimming with expectations, the return of “Larry Legend” may be the spark that ignites a new chapter in Celtics greatness. Whether from the court or now from the sidelines, one thing is clear: Larry Bird is once again a Celtic—and Boston couldn’t be happier.
