Doc Rivers era ends in Milwaukee after three turbulent seasons

Milwaukee’s regular season closed with a jolt as Doc Rivers and the Bucks parted ways after three uneven years together. The 62‑year‑old coach still has one season remaining on his contract for 2026‑27, which the franchise will honour financially, though he will not return to the bench. According to ESPN, both sides are exploring whether Rivers might remain as a consultant within the organisation. His exit signals the start of a pivotal summer for Milwaukee, who suffered two first‑round playoff eliminations before missing the play‑in entirely this year.

Rivers admitted the campaign “did not go how I wanted” as the Bucks finished 32‑50 following Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia. Injuries again shaped the narrative: Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared in only thirty‑six games, while both he and Damian Lillard missed postseason contests in 2024 and 2025. Rivers had replaced Adrian Griffin in January 2024, guiding Milwaukee to records of 17‑19 and 48‑34 in his first two seasons.