Bucks Seek Fourth Head Coach in Five Seasons

Lori Nickel breaks down the top candidates and Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential role in the decision

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:57pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the action and energy of a basketball game, conceptually representing the Bucks' coaching transition.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes coaching search facing the Milwaukee Bucks as they aim to build a championship contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo.Today in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a critical offseason as they search for their fourth head coach in the last five seasons. Lori Nickel, a columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, discussed the leading candidates, including Taylor Jenkins, Sean Sweeney, and Chris Quinn, and how Giannis Antetokounmpo's input may factor into the decision.

Why it matters

The Bucks' head coaching search is a pivotal moment for the franchise, as they look to find stability on the sidelines and continue to build around their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The next head coach will be tasked with leading the team back to championship contention after a disappointing season.

The details

According to Nickel, the Bucks are considering three main candidates for the head coaching position: Taylor Jenkins, Sean Sweeney, and Chris Quinn. Jenkins previously worked as an assistant coach for the Bucks under Mike Budenholzer, while Sweeney and Quinn have ties to the organization as well. Nickel noted that the availability of the candidates will be a key factor, as two of the three are currently employed by other playoff teams.

  • The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
  • The Bucks do not necessarily need to have an answer from Giannis Antetokounmpo about his future by the Draft.

The players

Lori Nickel

A columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who provided analysis on the Bucks' head coaching search.

Taylor Jenkins

A former assistant coach for the Bucks who is now a leading candidate for the head coaching position.

Sean Sweeney

A candidate for the Bucks' head coaching job who has ties to the organization, having played at UW-Green Bay and spent time with the team.

Chris Quinn

Another candidate for the Bucks' head coaching position who is currently employed by another playoff team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' superstar player, whose input and future with the team will be a key factor in the head coaching search.

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What they’re saying

“All three of them have their strengths that would be really beneficial to the Bucks, but what's really important is that Doc Rivers and Adrian Griffin are still on the payroll, so the Bucks have to get this one right when they name their next coach.”

— Lori Nickel, Columnist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“I think Giannis has to really come clean and express himself clearly, just to give himself the best position to go forward.”

— Lori Nickel, Columnist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

What’s next

The Bucks will need to make a decision on their next head coach before the NBA Draft on June 23, 2026. The team's decision may be influenced by Giannis Antetokounmpo's input and his future with the franchise.

The takeaway

The Bucks' head coaching search is a critical moment for the franchise as they look to find stability on the sidelines and continue building around their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team's decision will have a significant impact on their ability to return to championship contention.