The former coach stressed the choice wasn’t driven by the 2025-26 season or a sense that his run in Milwaukee had to end. “It wasn’t a hard decision… There’s times where you feel like you’ve had your run,” he said, emphasizing that the timing was right for him personally.
Rivers also acknowledged regrets about how the exit was communicated to players. He noted the Bucks’ ownership and front office knew of his plan, but he wishes he had been more forthcoming with the locker room after the season concluded.
He reflected on a personal moment from his earlier championship run, recalling that he did not enter the Celtics’ locker room after winning the title. “When you see all the champagne, there’s no me in there,” he said, underscoring a broader theme about his leadership style and choices.
Despite stepping away from the sideline, Rivers suggested his coaching days may be behind him—at least in the current form—but he remains open to staying involved in the game in some capacity. He emphasized that coaching should feel like a labor of love, not a burden, and that he’s not ruling out future opportunities.
Over a 25-year head coaching career, Rivers has led the Magic, Celtics, Clippers, 76ers, and Bucks, winning a championship and earning Coach of the Year honors. He remains highly regarded in basketball circles as one of the game’s enduring figures, with the door left open to potential future roles in the sport.
