Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Hints at Retirement

Veteran NBA coach cites desire to spend more time with grandchildren.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:58pm

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Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, who is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, hinted that he may be nearing retirement. When asked how much longer he plans to coach, the 64-year-old Rivers said he has seven grandchildren under the age of 8 and wants to spend more time with them, noting that he often misses important events like Grandparents' Day at their schools.

Why it matters

Rivers is one of the most respected and successful coaches in the NBA, having led the Bucks to the playoffs in each of the last five seasons. His potential retirement would be a significant loss for the franchise and the league, but his desire to prioritize family time is understandable given his long and accomplished career.

The details

In a recent press conference, Rivers was asked about his future coaching plans. While he declined to directly answer the question, he cited his seven young grandchildren as a major factor, saying 'I have grandkids that I want to see' and that he 'kills me every time I miss Grandparents' Day with each one of them in school.' This suggests the veteran coach may be ready to step away from the sidelines to spend more quality time with his family.

  • Rivers is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.

The players

Doc Rivers

The 64-year-old head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has led the team to the playoffs in each of the last five seasons and is about to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Milwaukee Bucks

The NBA franchise that Rivers has coached since 2021, leading them to consistent playoff appearances.

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What they’re saying

“I won't answer that, but I have grandkids that I want to see.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

What’s next

Rivers' potential retirement will be a major storyline to follow in the coming months, as the Bucks organization and NBA community await his final decision on his future.

The takeaway

After a long and successful coaching career, Doc Rivers appears ready to prioritize spending more time with his growing family over the demands of an NBA head coaching job. His impending Hall of Fame induction and the Bucks' recent playoff runs suggest he is leaving the game on a high note, but his grandchildren are now his top priority.