Doc Rivers Fired By Milwaukee Bucks After Failing To Make Playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks have fired head coach Doc Rivers after a disappointing 32-50 season. This marks the end of his two-year tenure with the team.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Milwaukee, WI - Doc Rivers is no longer the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, the team confirmed Monday. The departure follows a 32-50 regular season, a campaign that saw the team's nine-year playoff streak broken. Rivers, who had one year left on his contract, will reportedly be compensated for that remaining season.

The Bucks will now initiate their third head coaching search in as many years. Rivers' tenure, spanning two-plus seasons, saw a regular-season record of 97-103. His departure was signaled shortly after the team's season concluded Sunday, with reports suggesting a disconnect between Rivers and team management throughout the year.

Rivers' NBA coaching resume is extensive, marked by 1,194 career wins, placing him sixth all-time. He previously achieved an NBA championship and a Finals appearance with another franchise, alongside multiple deep playoff runs. His selection to the Hall of Fame further punctuates a lengthy career. However, his time with the Bucks was plagued by injuries to key players across each season. The team also recently secured both an NBA Cup and an NBA Championship, with Rivers being the first coach to achieve both.

Read More: Rueben Bain Jr. Driver in Fatal 2024 Miami Crash That Killed Destiny Betts

The recent season saw the Bucks rebound from an early 2-8 start to finish with a 48-34 record, though this was not enough to secure a playoff spot. Rivers' final game was a 126-120 loss to the 76ers. Amidst the season's struggles, Rivers, at 64 years old, had alluded to spending more time with his grandchildren, citing age as a factor in potentially stepping away from coaching.

Rivers' initial appointment in Milwaukee involved him consulting with the previous coach, [name withheld], before taking over the head coaching role. His first partial season saw the Bucks go 17-19 and exit the playoffs in the first round against the Indiana Pacers. Speculation suggests Rivers might transition to a broadcasting role, potentially rejoining an NBA broadcast team. The organization appears poised for broader changes beyond the coaching position.

Read More: 2026 WNBA Draft: Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd Compete for Top Pick

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Doc Rivers fired as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks?
Doc Rivers was fired because the Milwaukee Bucks had a losing record of 32-50 this season and failed to make the playoffs, breaking a nine-year streak.
Q: What was Doc Rivers' record with the Milwaukee Bucks?
Doc Rivers had a regular-season record of 97 wins and 103 losses during his two-plus seasons as head coach of the Bucks.
Q: What happens to Doc Rivers now?
Doc Rivers is no longer the head coach and will be paid for the remaining year on his contract. He might move into a broadcasting role.
Q: What is next for the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Bucks will begin their third search for a head coach in three years and may make other changes within the organization.
Q: Did the Bucks win any championships with Doc Rivers?
While Rivers' coaching career includes an NBA championship and a Finals appearance with another team, he did not win a championship with the Bucks. The team did win an NBA Cup and an NBA Championship during his tenure, making him the first coach to achieve both.