BOSTON (WPRI) — Despite facing some criticism in the Celtics’ stunted playoff run, it appears Joe Mazzulla’s job is secure.

GM Brad Stevens confirmed during a news conference Thursday that Mazzulla will return next season as the team’s head coach, saying he’s the best man for the job.

“I think he is, and I thought he did a really good job with this group,” Stevens said.

In his first season as head coach, Mazzulla was one win away from taking the Celtics to their second straight NBA Finals. After going down 3-0, Boston stormed back in the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami, but fell flat in Game 7.

“He’s a terrific leader,” Stevens added. “He’ll only get better at anything that he can learn from this year, because he’s constantly trying to learn, and he’s accountable.”

“Those leadership qualities are hard to find,” he continued. “I know they’re easy to talk about, but when you can show all those through the expectations and the microscope that he was under, that’s hard to do.”

The Johnston native was named the team’s full-time head coach back in February. The 34-year-old took over as interim head coach before the start of the season following Ime Udoka’s suspension.

Stevens said he plans to make at least one addition to the coaching staff this offseason.

Stevens also touched upon Jayson Tatum’s injury, saying he suffered a “decent ankle sprain” early in that final game.

He was unable to discuss contract talks with Jaylen Brown or any other player, but said Brown is a big part of the Celtics’ future and the organization hopes to keep him around.