Doc Rivers ready to close book on NBA coaching career

Doc Rivers, a decorated NBA coach with an NBA Finals win and a Coach of the Year honor under his belt, is poised to add another accolade to his resume this year as he joins the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. However, it seems that Rivers is ready to close the chapter on his coaching career.

In a recent interview with The Ringer founder Bill Simmons, Rivers announced that he is officially “done” as an NBA coach. After a disappointing 32-50 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Rivers decided to step down from his coaching position. He revealed that he had a meeting with team ownership about his future and made it clear that he was ready to move on from coaching.

Reflecting on his decision, Rivers expressed a sense of fulfillment with his coaching career but also emphasized the need for a break after dedicating nearly five decades to the sport. He cited a desire to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren, as a driving factor behind his decision to step away from coaching.

The 2025-26 season proved to be a challenging one for Rivers and the Bucks, as injuries and trade rumors surrounding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo plagued the team. The season ended with a losing record, marking Rivers’ first full losing season since his time with the Celtics in 2006-07.

Following the tumultuous season, reports surfaced of a “disconnect” between Rivers and the players, as detailed in an expose on the Bucks’ struggles. Rivers dismissed the reports as inaccurate, emphasizing that he did not have enough time to address the inaccuracies.

As Rivers looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, it remains uncertain what his future holds. Prior to his coaching tenure with the Bucks, Rivers worked as a basketball analyst for ESPN before making the transition back to coaching. With his coaching days behind him, Rivers may explore new opportunities in the basketball world or beyond.

In conclusion, Doc Rivers’ decision to retire from coaching marks the end of a successful chapter in his career. As he prepares to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Rivers leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment and impact in the world of basketball.