The Milwaukee Bucks‘ 2025-26 NBA season came to a disappointing end with a road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a challenging season filled with turmoil. Head coach Doc Rivers was let go, even when they said it wasn’t his time yet, and general manager Jon Horst has also faced criticism.

Eric Nehm from The Athletic reported that team sources have observed a shift in Horst’s behavior, noting that he has been less present compared to his active role during the championship years when he was a regular at shootarounds.

Despite these concerns, he remains the architect of the franchise, standing by the roster he helped build alongside ownership, focusing on pace and shooting while acknowledging that the team’s defensive results were a gamble.

According to reports from The Stein Line, Horst is firmly in control of the search for Milwaukee’s next head coach.

Despite the team’s struggles this season, he is under contract through 2027-28 and has already begun reaching out to coaching candidates.

This situation gives Horst a rare opportunity to lead the hiring process on his own terms, unlike previous hires such as Adrian Griffin, who were heavily influenced by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s preferences, or Rivers, who was chosen by ownership.

The coaching search is expected to be inclusive, featuring a variety of candidates. Former Bucks assistant Taylor Jenkins and current assistant Darvin Ham are considered top contenders.

However, the overall dynamics of the job remain uncertain.

The looming possibility of a trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo casts a shadow over the search, and depending on the trade destination, the roster could change significantly; for instance, a trade with the Miami Heat involving Tyler Herro and a player like Ware would lead to a different competitive outlook compared to a package filled with draft picks from the Golden State Warriors.

As Horst continues his outreach, any prospective hire will be stepping into an organization at a crossroads, awaiting clarity on the future of its franchise star this summer.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ 2025-26 NBA season came to a disappointing end with a road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a challenging season filled with turmoil. Head coach Doc Rivers was let go, even when they said it wasn’t his time yet, and general manager Jon Horst has also faced criticism.