Will the Bucks Let Coach Doc Rivers Go After This Season?

Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks have ended their partnership after three seasons, marking a significant period in the team's history. The coaching change comes after the Bucks' worst season since before Giannis Antetokounmpo's era.

A Coaching Tenure Ends

The 2025-26 season saw the Bucks finishing with a 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years. This marked a major downturn for a team that won a championship just four years prior.

The Bucks will pay Rivers his salary for the upcoming season, and discussions are ongoing about whether he will take on an advisory role with the team.

Challenges During Rivers' Tenure

In his first year, Rivers took over midseason but led the team to an early playoff exit. His second year was plagued by injuries and inconsistent rotations, while criticisms of his late-game management persisted.

By his third year, Milwaukee recorded poor offensive and defensive efficiencies, leading to locker room tensions and uncertainty about Rivers' future before the season concluded.

Reflecting on Rivers' Legacy

Despite these struggles, Rivers was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He holds impressive records in both regular season wins and playoff victories but faces criticism for his teams underperforming in later stages.

Looking ahead, Milwaukee faces another coaching search amid concerns about its current roster's ability to compete effectively without significant changes.

The Impact Beyond Milwaukee

If Doc Rivers chooses to coach again, it could significantly influence other teams' decisions about coaching hires. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's instability may affect Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the franchise if not addressed promptly.