Former 76ers coach Doc Rivers clarifies his future plans

Doc Rivers appears to be stepping away from coaching after his stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, signaling that he may not return to the sideline. In a recent conversation, he indicated he’s “done” with coaching, telling Bill Simmons that despite discussions with ownership about a possible one- or two-year plan, he made it clear he would not be back. Rivers said he would be surprised if he coached another game.

The timeline that led to this moment includes a rapid post-76ers shift. After his run with Philadelphia, Rivers interviewed with the Phoenix Suns for a media role while continuing to consult for Milwaukee, and midseason the Bucks replaced Adrian Griffin with Rivers as their head coach.

Rivers cited a long, demanding career and a strong desire for a break. He noted the 40-plus years he’s devoted to the profession and cited family time and life outside the court as factors in his decision, stating that he wanted to step away and that, for now, it feels like the right move.

His career in basketball spans five coaching stops. He led the Orlando Magic, the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and most recently the Milwaukee Bucks, building a reputation as a veteran presence across the league.

Rivers’ coaching résumé is notable: a winning percentage around 58%, 21 playoff appearances, two Eastern Conference championships, and a NBA Finals title with the Celtics in 2007-08. If this is truly the end, he would finish with five different head coaching stints and a career marked by longevity and impact.

With Rivers stepping down, Milwaukee now begins a new coaching search, and his future beyond the Bucks remains uncertain. Regardless of what comes next, Rivers leaves behind a substantial, multi-decade footprint as a coach in the NBA.