The Milwaukee Bucks were expected to announce a head coaching shift on Sunday. Following the 126-106 thrashing by the Philadelphia 76ers, Doc Rivers has formally departed from his post.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed the coaching departure on Sunday night.
“After a 32-50 season, the Bucks will begin their third coach search in the last three years,” Charania wrote on the social networking platform X, previously Twitter.
Rivers had a 97-103 record with the Bucks. Multiple reports emerged of Rivers’ widening distance with Bucks players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rivers was compelled to address the issue with Antetokounmpo near the end of the year.
The past NBA Finals champion came to Milwaukee in a unique way.
Adrian Griffin, the previous Bucks head coach, was sacked after leading the team to a 30-13 start to the January 2024 season. Rivers quickly replaced Griffin.
Despite this, the squad went 17-19 for the rest of the season, with Rivers commanding them. Milwaukee finished with a 48-34 record in Rivers’ first full season as head coach in 2024-25.
Rivers had to deal with an injury-plagued team during his tenure with the organization. Antetokounmpo wasn’t the only outstanding player to fall several times. The same happened with former superstar Damian Lillard, who eventually returned to the Portland Trail Blazers. Both players missed time during the postseason in 24 and 25.
Milwaukee misses the playoffs, ending a nine-season streak of playoff appearances.
Milwaukee has emerged as the most appealing league head coach opportunity. However, Rivers’ tenure with the team may not be ending. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel suggested a front office or advisory position might be in consideration.
