Doc Rivers steps down as Milwaukee Bucks head coach

article

Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Expand

MILWAUKEE - Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a statement released by the team on Monday. 

What we know:

The move means the Bucks will begin their third head coaching search in three years. 

Milwaukee will pay Rivers his eight-figure salary for the 2026-27 season, per ESPN. The franchise and Rivers are also discussing whether he could move into an advisory role within the organization.

Following the Bucks’ season-ending loss in Philadelphia on Sunday, Rivers suggested his future remains under discussion.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

Rivers, who recently said he wants to spend more time with his grandchildren, told reporters after the game that the team will soon release an official update on his status and that conversations with the organization about a possible future role are ongoing.

Rivers, 64, was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and led the Boston Celtics to the 2007-08 NBA championship. He ranks sixth all time among NBA coaches in regular-season wins and fourth all time in playoff victories.

The Bucks snapped a streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances this season and have not won a playoff series since 2022.

Milwaukee last won an NBA championship in 2021 under Mike Budenholzer, who was let go in 2023.

Milwaukee Bucks statement:

"Doc Rivers has stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Rivers, who served as head coach of the Bucks since January of 2024, led the team to two playoff appearances and the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Championship. 

"It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community," said Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan. "In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee."

"I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee," Rivers said. "Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community. Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me, and this chapter will hold a special place in my heart."

Rivers has served as an NBA head coach for 27 seasons, which includes two trips to the NBA Finals and an NBA championship with Boston in 2008.  His 1,194 regular season wins are sixth most in league history. Rivers was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this month."

Related

article

Bucks fall to 76ers in regular-season finale amid uncertain offseason

The Milwaukee Bucks lost 126-106 to Philadelphia in their regular-season finale as AJ Green set a franchise record and the team heads into an uncertain offseason.