The Milwaukee Bucks have officially been eliminated from NBA playoff contention in what has been one of their worst seasons in a decade. They currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 31–49 record.
Questions about franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future have loomed all season, and a split now appears increasingly likely this offseason. Equally important are concerns about head coach Doc Rivers, as many believe that Antetokounmpo’s potential departure could also lead to a coaching change.
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Rivers sparked further speculation about his future when he mentioned wanting to spend more time with his grandchildren and family in a press conference last week.
“I have seven grandkids now, and they’re all eight years and under, and it kills me every time I miss grandparents day with each one of them in school,” he said when asked about his coaching future. “It’s probably time to go see them more, so I’ll let you figure out the rest.”
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
However, during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back TV on Friday, he shut down those rumors and suggested he was open to returning to the Bucks next season.
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“Well, I’m leaving them open,” Rivers said about his options. “I don’t want to say that I’m retiring because I know I’m not going to completely retire, no matter what happens. But I’m in a great place, let me put it that way.
“Everything that happens, me, ownership, and the front office, we are all on the same page. We talked about this even before the season about what I want to do. I keep bringing it up because I want to make sure I’m able to do it.”
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Rivers took over as Bucks head coach in January 2024 after the surprising midseason firing of Adrian Griffin, who held a 30–13 record at the time. In his first full season, Rivers led the team to a 48–34 record and a playoff appearance, though they were swept in the first round by the Indiana Pacers. This season, however, has been a major disappointment, leaving him with a 97–103 record in Milwaukee.
It marks the first time the Bucks have failed to reach 40 wins since the 2015–16 season, and there will likely be serious discussions within the front office about Rivers’ future, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting last week that the Milwuakee’s front office is going to decide on his job status “in the next week.”
Although Rivers still has one year remaining on his 3.5-year, $40 million contract, he understands the situation in Milwaukee is uncertain, and it may be time for him to seek a less turbulent role. But as he stated, he is keeping his options open, and even if the Bucks eventually part ways with him, he does not plan to fully retire and could return to broadcasting.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.