Doc Rivers Departs Milwaukee Bucks Following Disappointing 32-50 Season

The Milwaukee Bucks are moving on from Doc Rivers. The veteran head coach has exited his role with the franchise following a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the team finish with a 32-50 record, according to multiple reports Sunday.

The split comes on the heels of a 20-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the season finale. Rivers and the organisation are reportedly discussing the possibility of him transitioning into an advisory position within the front office.

Speaking to reporters after Sunday defeat, Rivers indicated an official announcement from the team was close. I can tell you we are all on the same page, he said. We have talked about it, and we want it out pretty quick. I just want them to do it, it is better. But I think you guys pretty much know.

Rivers departure marks the third coaching change for the Bucks in as many seasons. He took over mid-season during the 2023-24 campaign after Milwaukee fired Adrian Griffin following a 30-13 start. Rivers guided the team to a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers in six games, and last season Milwaukee was eliminated in the opening round once again, this time in five games — also by Indiana.

The 2025-26 campaign proved especially challenging. The Bucks were hit hard by injuries, with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo missing significant time and guard Damian Lillard recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in last years playoffs. Milwaukee ultimately waived and stretched Lillard in July 2025, a move that signalled a shift toward a transitional roster model.

Rivers addressed his future with reporters as recently as April 7, cryptically noting his desire to spend time with his grandchildren without directly confirming his retirement plans.

It did not go the way I wanted it to go obviously, Rivers said. I always say I could do a better job, we could have had better health. We could have had all kinds of things. But I am not a big guy looking back. All you can do is look forward. We did a lot of things to improve a lot of the young guys.

Rivers compiled a 97-103 record across his tenure in Milwaukee. Notably, just last week he was formally announced as an inductee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, cementing his standing among the games all-time great coaches and players.

The Bucks now face the task of rebuilding around Antetokounmpo as they search for their fourth head coach in as many seasons.