Milwaukee Bucks Part Ways with Doc Rivers After Disappointing Season
Doc Rivers has officially stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, following a tumultuous season that concluded with a disappointing 32-50 record. The announcement came on Monday, marking the end of Rivers’ brief tenure, which began midway through the 2023-24 season when he replaced Adrian Griffin. Despite high hopes for a championship run built around stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the team failed to reach the postseason. In his statement, Rivers expressed gratitude for his time in Milwaukee: "I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee. Coming back to where I got my start... has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped..." Rivers, a Hall of Fame coach with a championship title from his time with the Boston Celtics, faced significant challenges in Milwaukee. Under his leadership, the Bucks recorded a 17-19 record in his first half-season and suffered a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers. This season, after a series of injuries, including Lillard's Achilles tendon tear, the team's competitiveness diminished, raising questions about the future of the franchise and Antetokounmpo’s role moving forward. Rivers had previously hinted at the possibility of stepping down, citing his desire to spend more time with his seven grandchildren. If this marks the end of his coaching career, Rivers retires with an impressive record of 1,194-865, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. The Bucks now face uncertainty, with potential further changes on the horizon as they look to rebuild and return to contention.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-13