The Milwaukee Bucks are entering a pivotal offseason, beginning with a major change in leadership. Hall of Fame coach Doc Rivers announced Monday that he is stepping down from his position after two and a half seasons with the franchise.

Rivers, who began his NBA head coaching career with the Bucks in the late 90s, expressed deep gratitude for his return to Milwaukee. "I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee," Rivers said in a statement. "Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege... Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me."

His final season, however, was a difficult one. The 2025-26 campaign saw the Bucks finish with a 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The team struggled significantly on both ends of the court, ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive output while allowing the 11th-most points per game. A major factor was the absence of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed 46 games due to a series of injuries, including a season-ending knee issue in March.

The disappointing season marks a stark contrast to the franchise's recent championship pedigree, having won the NBA title under Mike Budenholzer in 2021. The Bucks' 32 wins this year were their fewest in over a decade.

Rivers, who had one year remaining on his contract, will be paid out for the 2026-27 season. He leaves Milwaukee with a 97-103 overall record and an illustrious career tally of 1,194 regular-season wins, including a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. The search for his successor now becomes the top priority for a Bucks organization eager to return to contention and build around their generational talent, Giannis Antetokounmpo.