Doc Rivers Parts Ways with Milwaukee Bucks After Disappointing Season

Milwaukee Bucks split with coach Doc Rivers after poor season

Doc Rivers leaves Milwaukee Bucks after disappointing season, 64-year-old coach hints at retirement to spend time with grandkids.

Doc Rivers parts ways with Bucks after 32-50 season, hints at retirement...

The Milwaukee Bucks and Doc Rivers are parting ways after a disappointing 32-50 season. The 64-year-old coach hinted at his departure after the team's final game, suggesting he's considering retirement to spend more time with his grandkids.

Rivers' three-season tenure with the Bucks was marked by two first-round playoff exits and a missed postseason this year. Despite his efforts, the team struggled with injuries, including Giannis Antetokounmpo's limited action, and internal conflicts. Rivers' overall record with the Bucks stands at 97-103.

“I can tell you we're all on the same page,” Rivers told a post-game press conference of his future with the team. “We've talked about it, and we want it out pretty quick.

“I just want them to do it, it's better. But I think you guys pretty much know.”

Doc Rivers is parting ways with the Milwaukee Bucks as head coach, according to ESPN. The team hasn't officially commented, but Rivers could potentially stick around in an advisory role. This move comes after a disappointing 32-50 season, and Rivers' third year in charge.

Rivers, 64, has been open about wanting to spend more time with his seven grandkids, all under eight years old. He recently hinted that retirement might be on the table, saying he misses Grandparents' Day with them. With a Hall of Fame career behind him, including a 2008 NBA title with the Boston Celtics, Rivers' next steps are unclear.

Doc Rivers joins the Bucks with an NBA title to his name from 2008 with the Boston Celtics. However, his time in Milwaukee hasn't yielded the desired results, despite the team winning the championship in 2021 with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks brought Rivers in, hoping he'd help them regain top spot in the NBA, but it hasn't worked out as planned. With Giannis Antetokounmpo's MVP wins and the 2021 title, expectations were high, but they've struggled to build on that success under Rivers.

The Bucks' struggles continued with two early playoff exits, and this time, they missed the postseason entirely. Antetokounmpo's injury issues and rumored trade talks didn't help, with him publicly expressing frustration about limited playing time.

Rivers' relationship with key players reportedly soured, contributing to the team's lack of success. The 2021 champs were expected to contend, but things didn't pan out as planned under Rivers' leadership.

“I've personally have enjoyed the challenge. It didn't go the way I wanted it to go, obviously,” said Rivers.

“I always say I could do a better job. We could have had better health. We could have had all kinds of things.”

“I'm not a big guy at looking back. All you can do is look forward.

“We did a lot of things to improve a lot of the young guys. Unfortunately, that was the road that kind of presented itself for us, and we did that.”

BREAKING: Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN. After a 32-50 season, the Bucks will embark on their third coaching search in the last three years. pic.twitter.com/s6YZXKcTi5

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2026

Doc Rivers is a legendary NBA coach with an impressive resume. He won the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2000 after his first season with the Orlando Magic. With over 1,190 wins, he's ranked sixth all-time in NBA history, and his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is a well-deserved recognition of his achievements.

Rivers' coaching career spans 27 seasons, with stops at the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks. He's known for his leadership and ability to adapt, guiding teams to 21 playoff appearances and an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.