Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced Monday. The move marks the end of a tenure that began in January 2024 and saw the organization navigate a demanding period centered around an aging championship core.

Rivers, who signed a deal worth approximately $40 million upon his hiring, had one season remaining on his contract. According to ESPN, he will be paid out for that final year. While his time on the sideline has concluded, the franchise and Rivers are reportedly discussing a potential transition into an advisory role within the organization.

The departure follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign for Milwaukee. After an 8-5 start to the season, the team struggled as Giannis Antetokounmpo missed 46 of 82 games due to various injuries. The Bucks ultimately finished 11th in the Eastern Conference.

In a statement released Monday, Rivers expressed gratitude for his time in the city where his basketball journey began as a standout at Marquette University.

“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Doc Rivers said. “Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community.”

During his two and a half seasons with the franchise, Rivers compiled a 97-103 regular-season record. The team’s title aspirations were frequently hampered by health issues involving both Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

“I personally have enjoyed the challenge,” Rivers added. “It didn’t go the way I wanted it to go, obviously. I always say I could do a better job. We could have had better health. We could have had all kinds of things.”