AT A GLANCE
• Doc Rivers is stepping down as Milwaukee Bucks head coach after a 32–50 season
• The loss snapped Milwaukee’s nine-year playoff streak
• Injuries to key players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, defined the season
• Rivers cited family and time with grandchildren as a factor in his decision
Doc Rivers Steps Down As Bucks Coach After 32-50 Season Ends 9-Year Playoff Streak
Doc Rivers is stepping down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, closing out a challenging season that saw the team fall short of expectations and miss the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.
The announcement came one day after the Bucks finished the season with a 32–50 record, ending a nine-year postseason run. Rivers shared his decision in a statement released by the team.
“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Rivers said. “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.”
A Difficult Season Marked by Injuries
Milwaukee struggled to find consistency throughout the season, largely due to injuries to key players. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo played in just 36 games, while Kevin Porter Jr. appeared in only 38.
Antetokounmpo’s absence late in the season became a point of tension, as he said he was healthy enough to play while the team continued to sideline him due to a left knee injury. The NBA is currently reviewing the situation.
Rivers, center, directs his team from the sideline during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Rivers acknowledged the challenges the team faced.
“It’s hard,” he said. “Losing, I don’t care what the reasons are. It’s just no fun not winning.”
Career Milestones Amid Setbacks
Despite the disappointing season, Rivers reached a major career milestone, surpassing George Karl for sixth place on the NBA’s all-time coaching wins list. He also was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s newest induction class.
Rivers finishes his tenure in Milwaukee with a 97–103 record over two and a half seasons and holds a career coaching record of 1,194–866.
He previously led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008 and coached teams including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Giannis Future Adds Uncertainty
Rivers’ departure comes as questions continue to surround the future of Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks to a championship in 2021 and remains the face of the franchise.
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
His status dominated league conversations leading up to the trade deadline, though no move was made. His relationship with team management, particularly over injury decisions, remains a key storyline heading into the offseason.
Family First Decision
As the season wound down, Rivers made it clear that family played a role in his decision to step away from coaching.
“I have seven grandkids now and they’re all 8 years and under,” Rivers said earlier this month. “And it kills me every time I miss grandparents’ day with each one of them. It’s probably time to go see them more.”
The Bucks have not indicated whether Rivers will remain involved with the organization in any capacity moving forward.
