Doc Rivers has stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks following a 32-50 season in 2025-26, the team announced on Monday. The move comes after the Bucks missed the playoffs, capping a disappointing year for the franchise built around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rivers, recently selected for the Basketball Hall of Fame, cited family time in recent comments.
The Milwaukee Bucks announced on Monday that Doc Rivers is no longer their head coach after the team finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 32-50 record, losing their finale on Sunday. Rivers was hired midway through the 2023-24 season to replace Adrian Griffin and lead a contender featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. However, the Bucks exited in the first round of the playoffs both seasons under Rivers, falling to the Indiana Pacers each time, with Lillard suffering an Achilles injury in the second series. This year, after waiving Lillard to sign Myles Turner, the team struggled from the outset and failed to reach the postseason. Rivers expressed gratitude in a statement: “I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee. 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.” In the season's final week, he hinted at stepping away, saying, “I have grandkids that I want to see. I have seven grandkids now and they're all eight years and under and it kills me every time I miss Grandparents' Day with each one of them in school.” Before Milwaukee, Rivers coached the Magic, Celtics—where he won the 2008 NBA championship—Clippers, and 76ers, amassing a career record of 1,194-865. Bucks forward Bobby Portis had speculated Rivers would stay due to a lucrative contract worth $15-16 million, but the coach chose to depart. The Bucks now face an uncertain offseason, with governor Wes Edens stating Antetokounmpo will be extended or traded. More roster changes appear likely as the Antetokounmpo era potentially nears its end.
