Doc Rivers officially stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday after two-plus seasons.
The Bucks’ finished 32-50 with Sunday’s season-ending 126-106 loss at Philadelphia. It marked their worst record since 2013-14 and the first time they missed the playoffs since 2015-16.
“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,” said Rivers, 64, who played college basketball in the city at Marquette from 1980-83.
“I am disappointed 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 had one year remaining on his $40 million contract, and the Bucks reportedly will pay the remainder of that contract. The club and Rivers and discussing a possible move to the front office for 2026-27, per reports.
“It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community,” said owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan in a statement. “In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee compiled a record of 97-103 since Rivers replaced Adrian Griffin in January 2024. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the previous two campaigns under Rivers.
There was strife between the club and star Giannis Antetokounmpo this season. Antetokounmpo only played in 36 games in 2025-26 but insisted he was healthy enough to compete in games down the stretch of the campaign.
Rivers will be inducted as a coach into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in August. He just completed his 27th year on an NBA bench and has a record of 1,194-866. Rivers is sixth in victories on the all-time list and guided the 2007-08 Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship.
The 13-year NBA guard started his coaching career with the Orlando Magic in the 1999-2000 season. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in that first season, posting a 41-41 record.
Rivers coached in Orlando until 2004, before jumping to the Celtics in the 2004-05 season. His tenure in Boston was the longest at nine years (2004-13) and was followed by stints with the Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23) and Bucks (2024-26).
The Chicago native began his NBA career in Atlanta and played for the Hawks from 1983-91. He also competed for the Clippers (1991-92), New York Knicks (1992-94) and San Antonio Spurs (1994-96).
–Field Level Media
