BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks Fire Head Coach Doc Rivers Following Playoff Elimination to Pacers
In a stunning but perhaps unsurprising move, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially parted ways with head coach Doc Rivers, effective immediately, following the team’s first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. The decision was confirmed by the organization just hours after the Bucks’ heartbreaking 119-118 Game 6 loss, which ended their season in disappointing fashion.
Rivers, who was hired mid-season in January to replace Adrian Griffin, was brought in to stabilize and guide a veteran-laden roster with championship aspirations. Instead, the Bucks’ postseason ended in frustration and underachievement for the second straight year — and the front office has decided a new direction is needed.
In a statement released late Friday night, Bucks General Manager Jon Horst said:
“We thank Doc for stepping in midseason and bringing his experience and leadership to our organization. However, after evaluating the direction of our team and our playoff performance, we believe it is in the best interest of the franchise to move forward with new leadership. Our goals remain the same — to compete for championships and maximize the prime years of our core players.”
The Bucks, who entered the 2024–25 season with title expectations behind the superstar pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, now face a critical offseason after two straight years of early exits. Milwaukee fell 4–2 to a young, hungry Pacers squad led by Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 27 points in Game 6, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute.
Milwaukee had a chance to win the game on the final possession, but a last-second shot from Lillard rimmed out, sealing their fate and triggering loud criticism from fans and media alike.
Rivers’ tenure in Milwaukee lasted just 42 games, including the regular season and playoffs. After taking over in late January, he guided the Bucks to a 17-19 record — a stark contrast to the team’s strong start under Griffin, who was 30-13 before being dismissed despite sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Critics questioned the move at the time, pointing to Rivers’ mixed playoff history despite his championship pedigree. While he won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, Rivers has developed a reputation in recent years for postseason struggles, including multiple blown series leads during his time in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
That trend continued in Milwaukee, where his coaching style appeared mismatched with the team’s roster. Offensive stagnation, questionable late-game decisions, and an inability to adjust to Indiana’s fast pace all played a role in the Bucks’ collapse.
Reactions around the league have been swift. Former players and analysts have acknowledged Rivers’ past achievements but agree that Milwaukee needed a fresh start.
“Doc Rivers is one of the most respected voices in the game,” said ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins. “But this Bucks team — with Giannis and Dame — they don’t have time to waste. They need a coach who can come in and elevate them immediately.”
As the Bucks turn the page, attention now shifts to who will take over one of the most high-pressure jobs in the NBA. With Giannis locked in long-term and Lillard still under contract, Milwaukee remains one of the most attractive coaching destinations in the league.
Potential candidates could include established names like Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, or Monty Williams — or even rising assistants looking for their first head coaching opportunity.
For Rivers, the future is uncertain. While his coaching resume is among the most extensive in the NBA, his recent playoff track record may leave teams hesitant.
One thing is clear: in Milwaukee, patience has worn thin, and expectations remain sky-high.
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