Hall of Fame coach Doc Rivers led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 32-50 record this season. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE
Doc Rivers stepped down as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, he announced Monday.
Rivers, 64, spent 2 1/2 seasons in Milwaukee. He led the Bucks to a 97-103 record, including a 32-50 campaign in 2025-26.
The Bucks, who won the NBA Finals in 2020-21 under former coach Mike Budenholzer, failed to advance to the postseason this year for the first time since 2015-16.
Their 32 wins were their fewest since 2013-14 and second-fewest since 2007-08.
“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Rivers said in a news release. “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.”
Star center Giannis Antetokounmpo missed 46 of the Bucks’ 82 games due to several injuries, including calf and ankle sprains and a season-ending left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, which he sustained March 15.
The 2025-26 Bucks scored the second-fewest points per game (110.6). They allowed the 11th-most points per game (116.8). The Bucks were 8-5 through their first 13 games this season, but went on a seven-game losing streak and never again reached a winning percentage of .500 or better. They lost 19 of their final 25 games under Rivers.
Rivers, who had one year remaining on his contract, will be paid out for that season. The Hall of Fame coach, who won a title in 2007-09 with the Boston Celtics, owns an overall regular-season record of 1,194-866 over 27 seasons.
He was 171-168 over his first five seasons with the Orlando Magic, 416-305 over nine seasons in Boston, 356-208 over seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and 154-82 over three years with the 76ers.
“It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community,” Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan said.
“In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee.”
