Doc Rivers hints at retirement from coaching, citing desire to spend time with grandchildren
Apr 3, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers looks on in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers dropped a significant hint about his coaching future Tuesday night, suggesting he may be ready to step away from the sidelines after a tumultuous season. When asked about his future before the Bucks’ 96-90 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the 64-year-old coach made his priorities clear.
« I won’t answer that, but I have grandkids that I want to see, » Rivers told reporters. « I’ll put it that way. I’ll let you figure it out from there. »
A Hall of Fame coach contemplating his next chapter
Rivers, who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame this summer, elaborated on what’s driving his potential decision. « I have seven grandkids now and they’re all 8 years and under, » he said. « And it kills me every time I miss grandparents’ day with each one of them in school. And it’s probably time to go see them more. So, I’ll let you figure out the rest. »
The NBA‘s winningest active coach and sixth on the league’s all-time victory list has one year remaining on his contract with Milwaukee. However, according to sources, Bucks leadership will decide on his job status in the next week following a disappointing season that fell far short of championship expectations.
Milwaukee entered the season with title aspirations, built around Giannis Antetokounmpo and bolstered by the acquisition of Myles Turner. Instead, injuries derailed their campaign. After starting 8-5, the Bucks lost seven consecutive games and never recovered, remaining under .500 for the remainder of the season.
The franchise has been embroiled in ongoing speculation about Antetokounmpo‘s future, with the team fielding trade offers in February before ultimately deciding to keep their star player. The constant questions about the relationship between Antetokounmpo and the organization have clearly worn on Rivers.
« The tough part about all this is I’m in the middle when I have nothing to do with it, » Rivers said Friday. « Coaches don’t decide any of this. But the problem with our league is the coaches are the ones sitting out front, and we have to sit here and answer this stuff. »
Rivers joined Milwaukee midway through the 2023-24 season and has struggled to find the success the organization envisioned. If he does step away from coaching, the 2008 NBA champion would likely be a sought-after broadcaster, having done television work previously. For now, though, his focus seems to be on family rather than basketball’s demands.
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