Doc Rivers departs as Milwaukee Bucks head coach after dismal 32-50 season

Doc Rivers has stepped away from his role as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks following a disappointing season. The 64-year-old coach departs after two and a half seasons, finishing with a 97–103 record, including a 32–50 campaign in 2025–26 that ended without a playoff appearance.

Rivers, who took over midway through the 2023–24 season after Adrian Griffin’s dismissal, initially steadied the team but couldn’t restore contender status. Milwaukee went 17–19 to close that first season and suffered back-to-back first-round playoff exits in the following years. A later roster shake-up, including the departure of Damian Lillard, failed to reverse the team’s trajectory.

Milwaukee’s year unraveled after a modest 8–5 start, as the team slipped into a prolonged slump and never recovered. They dropped 19 of their final 25 games and ended with one of the league’s lowest-scoring offenses, averaging just 110.6 points per game while allowing 116.8. It marked the franchise’s fewest wins in over a decade and its first missed postseason since 2015–16. Injuries played a major role in the collapse. Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared in only 36 games, sidelined by multiple issues, including a season-ending knee injury. The roster also dealt with setbacks in prior seasons, limiting continuity during Rivers’s tenure.

Despite having one year left on his contract, Rivers will still receive his eight-figure salary for the 2026–27 season. There are ongoing discussions about a possible advisory role with the organization. In a statement released Monday, Rivers reflected on his time with the franchise: “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. I am disappointed that 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.”

Team ownership also acknowledged his contributions, stating: “It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community. In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee.”

A Hall of Fame inductee in 2026, Rivers’ decorated coaching career includes more than 1,100 regular-season wins and an NBA championship with Boston. However, his time in Milwaukee ultimately fell short of expectations, with injuries, inconsistency, and reported locker room disconnects contributing to the outcome. Looking ahead, the Bucks now enter a pivotal offseason. The franchise will begin its third coaching search in as many years while also facing uncertainty surrounding its roster and long-term direction.

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