After 27 Years of NBA Coaching, Doc Rivers Calls It Quits: « I’m Done »

Doc Rivers appears to have drawn a line under his coaching career in the NBA. Just days after leaving his position as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, the 64-year-old veteran made statements that strongly resemble a retirement announcement during his appearance Friday on « The Bill Simmons Podcast ».

A Decision Made Together with Bucks Management

The former Hawks player revealed he had candid discussions with the Bucks‘ front office well before the end of a disappointing third season (32 wins, 50 losses) at the helm of the Wisconsin franchise. « We met about seven weeks ago, the owners and I. They asked me what I wanted to do […]. And I told them I was done, » confided the former Boston Celtics coach.

The coach was clear with his assistants: « I told my staff I was stopping. I loved coaching. I loved it. I had a lot of success in this field, far more highs than lows. But at the end of the day, I gave 47 years or whatever it is, I don’t even know how old I am anymore… with no free time. I just want to take a break. »

An NBA Title That Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story?

With a career record of 1,194 wins and 866 losses, Doc Rivers ranks sixth on the all-time list of winningest coaches in NBA history. He led five different franchises: Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks.

His achievements include an NBA championship with Boston in 2008, powered by the big four of Kevin Garnett – Paul Pierce – Ray Allen – Rajon Rondo (all All-Stars), an NBA Cup in 2024 with Milwaukee, and the Coach of the Year award in 2000. But also several heartbreaks at the helm of the Magic, the Clippers, and the Sixers. Glenn Rivers (his real first name) notably holds the record for playoff series losses after leading 3-1 (3 times).

BREAKING: Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN. After a 32-50 season, the Bucks will embark on their third coaching search in the last three years. pic.twitter.com/s6YZXKcTi5

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2026

« I think it was time, so I would be surprised if I coached another game — I’ll put it that way, » he concluded. Doc Rivers, who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in the class of 2026, now wishes to focus on his family: « I want to step away. Enjoy my grandchildren and life in general. »

The 2025-2026 season at the helm of Milwaukee proved particularly difficult, marked notably by the recurring injuries of Giannis Antetokounmpo (36 games played), not to mention the toxic atmosphere between the Greek Freak and the front office.

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This difficult end to his journey may well mark the conclusion of a coaching career that lasted nearly three decades at the highest level — and could also seal the fate of the Giannis Antetokounmpo era, as it now seems unlikely that either man will be back in Milwaukee next season.