dailyloe.com – Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told ESPN on Sunday. The franchise will now start its third head coaching search in three years. This begins a summer of change for the organization.
The Bucks will pay Rivers out on his eight-figure salary for the 2026-27 season. The franchise and Rivers are discussing whether he will move to an advisory role. This information comes from sources familiar with the situation.
Rivers went 97-103 across three seasons in Milwaukee. His tenure included two first-round playoff exits. The team also missed the postseason and play-in tournament this year.
Team sources said there was a season-long disconnect between Rivers and the players. This included instances that rubbed the locker room the wrong way. The issues contributed to the coaching change.
Rivers took over as coach for the Bucks in late January 2024. He replaced Adrian Griffin, who had gone 30-13 before being fired. Rivers guided the Bucks to a 17-19 mark to finish the 2023-24 campaign.
Milwaukee went 48-34 in Rivers’ first full season in 2024-25. The coach dealt with injuries to his top players in each season. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo missed time in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs.
Antetokounmpo was healthy for just 36 games in the 2025-26 season. Rivers was named to the Naismith Hall of Fame. His departure marks a significant shift for the Bucks franchise.[]
Source: ESPN
