Bucks Search for New Head Coach After Rivers' Departure

Five top candidates emerge to lead Milwaukee's rebuild

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:31pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of forest green, cream, and burgundy, conceptually representing the complex process of finding the right head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.The Bucks' search for a new head coach to lead their rebuild will require a strategic, multi-faceted approach.Today in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Bucks have parted ways with head coach Doc Rivers after a disappointing 32-50 season, signaling the need for a new direction for the struggling franchise. The Bucks are now searching for a new head coach to lead the team's rebuild, with five top candidates emerging as potential replacements.

Why it matters

The Bucks' decision to part ways with Rivers comes after a turbulent tenure that included a deteriorating relationship with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. The new head coach will be tasked with restoring stability, developing young talent, and putting the Bucks back on a path to contention in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Bucks are reportedly considering five leading candidates to replace Rivers: Taylor Jenkins, Darvin Ham, Kenny Atkinson, Tom Thibodeau, and Monty Williams. Each brings a different coaching style and background that could help the team address its issues on both ends of the floor.

  • The Bucks and Rivers officially parted ways on April 13, 2026.

The players

Doc Rivers

The former head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who was fired after a disappointing 32-50 season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, whose relationship with former coach Doc Rivers reportedly deteriorated during the team's struggles.

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What they’re saying

“We need to find the right leader to guide this team back to contention. The next head coach will be crucial in developing our young talent and restoring the Bucks' winning culture.”

— Jon Horst, Milwaukee Bucks General Manager

What’s next

The Bucks' front office will conduct interviews with the five leading candidates over the next few weeks, with the goal of having a new head coach in place before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The takeaway

The Bucks' decision to part ways with Doc Rivers signals a critical juncture for the franchise, as they seek to find the right head coach to lead their rebuild and get the team back on track after a disappointing season. The five candidates being considered all bring unique strengths that could help the Bucks address their issues and put Giannis Antetokounmpo and the team back on a path to success.