Doc Rivers out as Milwaukee Bucks head coach

The Bucks will begin their third coaching search in three years after parting ways with the Hall of Fame coach.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in the Bucks' team colors, representing the instability and change within the franchise's coaching staff.The Bucks' coaching carousel continues as the franchise parts ways with veteran coach Doc Rivers, signaling another transition period for the team.Today in Milwaukee

Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday. The move means the Bucks will begin their third head coaching search in three years, as Milwaukee will pay Rivers his eight-figure salary for the 2026-27 season and the two sides are discussing a potential advisory role for Rivers within the organization.

Why it matters

Rivers, who was named to the Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2026, led the Boston Celtics to the 2007-08 NBA championship and ranks sixth all-time among NBA coaches in regular-season wins and fourth all-time in career playoff victories. His departure marks another coaching change for the Bucks, who last won an NBA championship in 2021 under head coach Mike Budenholzer, who was let go in 2023.

The details

According to reports, the Bucks and Rivers have agreed to part ways, with Milwaukee set to pay out the remainder of his eight-figure contract for the 2026-27 season. The two sides are also discussing whether Rivers could move into an advisory role within the Bucks organization.

  • Rivers was named to the Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
  • The Bucks last won an NBA championship in 2021 under head coach Mike Budenholzer, who was let go in 2023.

The players

Doc Rivers

A Hall of Fame NBA coach who led the Boston Celtics to the 2007-08 NBA championship and ranks sixth all-time among NBA coaches in regular-season wins and fourth all-time in career playoff victories.

Mike Budenholzer

The former head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who led the team to an NBA championship in 2021 before being let go in 2023.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Bucks will now begin their search for a new head coach, their third in three years, as they look to build on their 2021 championship and return to contention in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The departure of Doc Rivers, a Hall of Fame coach, marks another coaching change for the Bucks as they aim to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the NBA. The team's ability to find stability and continuity on the sidelines will be crucial as they look to compete for championships in the coming years.