The Bucks are bracing for major changes after a disappointing season, and Doc Rivers’ role is at the center of it… Yankee Scores reports.
Rivers Out as Head Coach
According to sources, Doc Rivers will not return as Milwaukee’s head coach next season. Instead, the franchise and Rivers are discussing a possible move into an advisory role within the front office. The Bucks will still pay him his eight-figure salary for the 2026-27 season.
This marks the team’s third head coaching search in just three years, underscoring instability at the top.
Disconnect With Players
Sources revealed a season-long disconnect between Rivers and the locker room, with several instances that frustrated players. Reflecting on the campaign, Rivers admitted, “It didn’t go the way I wanted it to go, obviously. I always say I could do a better job. We could have had better health. We could have had all kinds of things.”
Despite his efforts to develop younger talent, the Bucks stumbled to a 32-50 record, missing both the playoffs and play-in tournament.
Rivers’ Tenure in Milwaukee
Rivers replaced Adrian Griffin in January 2024, guiding the Bucks to a 17-19 finish that season. His first full campaign in 2024-25 ended at 48-34, but injuries to stars like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo derailed postseason hopes. In 2025-26, Antetokounmpo played only 36 games, further compounding the team’s struggles.
Over three seasons, Rivers went 97-103 with two first-round playoff exits.
Hall of Fame Legacy
Despite his Milwaukee struggles, Rivers’ legacy remains secure. Recently named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, he ranks sixth all-time in regular-season wins and fourth in playoff victories. He famously led the 2007-08 Boston Celtics to an NBA championship.
Bucks Face Pivotal Summer
Milwaukee snapped a nine-year playoff streak this season and hasn’t won a series since 2022. With Rivers stepping aside and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future uncertain, the Bucks enter a summer of change that could reshape the franchise’s direction.
