Doc Rivers is out as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks following a difficult season that ended without a playoff berth and closed another turbulent chapter for the franchise.

Rivers, who left broadcasting to take over midseason after Adrian Griffin’s dismissal in 2023-24, exits after Milwaukee’s 126–106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, a result that sealed a 32–50 campaign.

This will now be the Bucks’ third coaching change in as many years, with the team once again searching for stability on the sidelines.

His departure also comes at a time when uncertainty continues to hang over the future of franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two time MVP featured in just 36 games this season after dealing with a knee hyperextension and bone bruise, his lowest appearance total in years.

The situation around Antetokounmpo grew noisier late in the season after he was sidelined for a stretch of 10 games straight, sparking outside speculation about whether the team had shut him down. The matter even drew attention from the league before he later insisted he was available to play when needed.

Rivers, speaking during the fallout from a heavy loss earlier in the campaign, pushed back on suggestions of internal control over player availability, saying coaches are often left answering for decisions they do not make and expressing frustration that the situation had spilled into public view.

On the court, Antetokounmpo still delivered when available, averaging 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds. He also remains central to Milwaukee’s recent history, having led the Bucks to their first NBA title since 1971 and earning Finals MVP honours in that championship run.