Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Steps Down After Down Season

The veteran NBA coach is leaving the team following a disappointing year.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:58pm

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of bright green, red, and white, representing the chaotic energy of a basketball game or coaching scene.The departure of veteran coach Doc Rivers signals a new era of uncertainty for the Milwaukee Bucks.Dane Today

Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, has officially stepped down from his position after a down year for the team. Rivers, a veteran NBA coach, had been with the Bucks since 2022 but is now departing the organization.

Why it matters

Rivers' departure marks a significant change for the Bucks, who had hoped to build on their recent success with Rivers at the helm. His exit raises questions about the team's direction and leadership going forward.

The details

The Bucks struggled to a 39-43 record this past season, missing the playoffs entirely after making deep postseason runs in previous years. Rivers, who has over 20 years of NBA coaching experience, cited the team's performance and his desire for a new challenge as reasons for his decision to step down.

  • Rivers announced his resignation on April 13, 2026.
  • He had been the Bucks' head coach since 2022.

The players

Doc Rivers

A veteran NBA head coach with over 20 years of experience, who had been leading the Milwaukee Bucks since 2022.

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What they’re saying

“It's been an honor to coach this team, but I feel it's the right time for me to step aside and let someone else take the reins.”

— Doc Rivers, Former Bucks Head Coach

What’s next

The Bucks will now begin their search for a new head coach to lead the team going forward.

The takeaway

Rivers' departure marks the end of an era for the Bucks, who will need to find a new direction and leadership to get the team back on track after a disappointing season.