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Why Bucks, Doc Rivers parted ways after disappointing 32-50 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The first significant decision of a huge offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks was announced just minutes after their final game of 2025-26.
Shortly after a season-ending loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday night that the Bucks and head coach Doc Rivers are parting ways.
While Rivers' departure following a 32-win season was generally expected, the official news now means the Bucks will be searching for a new head coach, who may or may not have Giannis Antetokounmpo around by the time next season begins.
Here's what to know about Milwaukee and Rivers parting ways.
MORE: What's next for Doc Rivers following Bucks exit?
Doc Rivers departs as Bucks head coach
Throughout a tough 2025-26 season, it's become more apparent that Rivers' days in Milwaukee were likely numbered. He was hired by the team in 2024 as the kind of coach expected to lead a playoff contender, owning a deep history of leading teams to the franchise, including a title.
With Antetokounmpo dealing with injuries, lackluster depth behind him, and on-and-off tension between the star forward and his franchise throughout the season, from trade rumors to his disagreements about sitting to end the season, Milwaukee was expected to seek a big reset this offseason, whether it trades Antetokounmpo or not.
Shortly after the Bucks' final loss of 2025-26, the expectation that Rivers would be departing became official — although Charania's report was unclear about whether it was a mutual decision, Rivers' or the Bucks'.
Rivers will be paid the remainder of his deal with the team, per Charania.
MORE: Ranking the 12 best available head coaching candidates this NBA offseason
Doc Rivers coaching career
Rivers has coached five different franchises, leading each to a winning record in his tenure except the Bucks.
He began with the Orlando Magic as a head coach in 1999, remaining with the franchise through 2003. From 2004-13, he was at the helm of the Boston Celtics, where he led teams headlined by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen — including the lone title of Rivers' career in 2008.
Rivers then spent seven years with the Los Angeles Clippers, often leading the team to the playoffs, but coming up short on the path to the Finals.
In 2024, the Bucks hired Rivers mid-season to replace Adrian Griffin. He leaves Milwaukee with a losing record, but ranking sixth all-time in coaching wins.
Doc Rivers championships
Rivers has guided one team to a title in his long coaching career, the 2007-08 Celtics.
That season, Boston went 66-16 in the regular season, then took down the Hawks, Cavaliers and Pistons to reach the NBA Finals, where it took down the Lakers in six games.
Doc Rivers contract
Rivers landed with the Bucks during the 2023-24 season, signing a contract that was supposed to take him through 2026-27.
According to Charania, Rivers will still be paid his "eight-figure salary" for next season as part of his Bucks exit.
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