Doc Rivers says it was 100 percent his decision to leave Bucks job: It wasn't a hard decision
The Bucks announced Rivers’ departure in an April 13 statement. Milwaukee will pay Rivers his eight-figure salary for the 2026-27 season, sources told ESPN. The recently named Naismith Hall of Fame coach told Andscape it was “100 percent my decision” to leave.
Rivers had a 97-103 record during his two-plus seasons with Milwaukee, leading to two first-round playoff exits and missing the postseason this season. The Bucks won the 2024 NBA Cup under Rivers, but they had a 32-50 record this season, with All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo playing just 36 games. “It wasn’t a hard decision.
It’s probably on your mind your last couple years,” Rivers said. “It had nothing to do with the season or anything like that. There’s times where you feel like you’ve had your run.
I still love it. I still love coaching. But I don’t ever want my job to become work.
I guess that is the best way of saying that. It’s more of a labor of love. So, I just felt like it was time.