Milwaukee Bucks Fire Head Coach Doc Rivers After Disappointing Performance
Milwaukee, WI — In a stunning move today, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that they have fired head coach Doc Rivers after a disappointing season. Despite high expectations following the team’s strong regular-season performance, the Bucks were ousted early in the playoffs, leading to increased pressure on Rivers’ future with the team.
Rivers, 62, who was hired as head coach in 2022, had been tasked with leading the Bucks to their second NBA championship in four years, following the team’s 2021 title. However, after a rocky postseason exit this year, where the Bucks failed to advance past the second round, ownership and management have decided to part ways with the veteran coach.
Under Rivers’ leadership, the Bucks posted a solid 53-29 record in the regular season, but their playoff failure—marked by inconsistent defense, questionable rotations, and an inability to close out games—was a stark contrast to the championship-caliber team Milwaukee had come to expect.
In a statement, Bucks’ General Manager Jon Horst expressed disappointment in the team’s postseason performance but acknowledged Rivers’ experience and contributions to the team. “We want to thank Doc for his hard work and leadership over the past two seasons. However, after careful consideration, we feel that a change is necessary to get us back to our championship aspirations.”
Rivers, a seasoned NBA coach with over 20 years of experience, has had a distinguished career, including leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA title in 2008. Despite his successes, his tenure with the Bucks was marked by inconsistent playoff results, sparking concerns that he was unable to maximize the potential of the team’s superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks now turn their attention to finding a new head coach as they aim to reassert themselves as a title contender next season.
