By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks are entering a period of significant uncertainty following the formal confirmation of head coach Doc Rivers’ departure during a postgame press conference.
According to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania, the experienced tactician will be removed from his position following the conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season. This move adds to a turbulent stretch for a franchise that was recently at the pinnacle of the league.
Rivers, 64, leaves Milwaukee with a 97-103 record across parts of three seasons after taking over in January 2024. Despite his veteran pedigree, the team failed to advance past the first round of the Playoffs in 2024 and 2025, culminating in a disappointing 32-50 campaign this year that saw the Bucks miss the postseason. The final year of Rivers’ eight-figure salary for the 2026-27 season will be paid out as the organization attempts to reset. While he is stepping down from the bench, he is expected to remain with the organization in a front-office role. The decision comes after hints toward an exit in several recent media sessions, signaling a growing disconnect.
The season’s decline was exacerbated by persistent health issues for Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the season finale against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. These recurring injuries have strained the relationship between the two-time season MVP and the front office. In his absence, the Bucks fell 126-106 to the Sixers at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
During the finale, French starter Ousmane Dieng contributed 11 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Greek brothers Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo each added 8 points. For the victorious Sixers, Turkish starting center Adem Bona registered four points and two rebounds.