{"id":700526,"date":"2026-04-06T00:38:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T00:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/700526\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T00:38:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T00:38:17","slug":"bucks-linked-to-new-coach-as-doc-rivers-faces-uncertain-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/700526\/","title":{"rendered":"Bucks Linked to New Coach as Doc Rivers Faces Uncertain Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Bucks\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers points to his team. <\/p>\n

The Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> are approaching a pivotal offseason, and a potential coaching change is increasingly becoming part of the conversation.<\/p>\n

According to veteran NBA<\/a> insider Marc Stein, former Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> coach Taylor Jenkins has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Doc Rivers if the Bucks decide to move on after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.<\/p>\n

Milwaukee fell to 30-47 following back-to-back losses this week, underscoring a season that has fallen short of expectations. Rivers has posted a 97-101 record with the franchise, along with a first-round playoff exit.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso growing is an anticipation that Bucks coach Doc Rivers and the franchise could be heading for some sort of parting,\u201d Stein reported<\/a> on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Rivers\u2019 Future Uncertain Amid Hall of Fame Recognition<\/p>\n

Rivers\u2019 future has come into sharper focus after he was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame\u2019s Class of 2026, a development that has only intensified speculation about a possible departure.<\/p>\n

The 64-year-old coach\u2019s decorated r\u00e9sum\u00e9 \u2014 highlighted by a championship with the Boston Celtics<\/a> \u2014 now intersects with a season that has raised questions about Milwaukee\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

Taylor Jenkins Emerges as Leading Candidate\"Taylor<\/p>\n

Getty\/Tim NwachukwuFormer Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins emerged as the favorite to replace Doc Rivers as the Milwaukee Bucks head coach.<\/p>\n

Jenkins, 41, is viewed as a natural candidate given his familiarity with the organization. He previously served as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer during the Bucks\u2019 2018-19 season before earning his first head coaching role in Memphis.<\/p>\n

During his tenure with the Grizzlies, Jenkins developed a reputation for implementing a fast-paced, modern offense built around Ja Morant<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, his time in Memphis ended abruptly despite that success.<\/p>\n

According to ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania<\/a>, Jenkins \u2014 the winningest coach in franchise history \u2014 was dismissed after the organization determined he had lost the locker room amid late-season struggles. Memphis had gone just 8-11 after the All-Star break and struggled against top-tier opponents.<\/p>\n

The Grizzlies\u2019 broader direction has also shifted significantly. The franchise traded All-Star forward Jaren Jackson<\/a> Jr. to the Utah Jazz<\/a> at the deadline, signaling a move toward a younger core and long-term flexibility.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Memphis has explored trade scenarios<\/a> involving Morant, with multiple reports indicating the team has been open to offers for its franchise guard.<\/p>\n

Could Jenkins, Morant Reunite in Milwaukee?\"Taylor<\/p>\n

GettyWill Taylor Jenkins and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant reunite in Milwaukee?<\/p>\n

Those developments add another layer to Jenkins\u2019 candidacy in Milwaukee.<\/p>\n

The Bucks were among teams linked to trade interest<\/a> in Morant earlier this season, and league-wide speculation continues to surround his long-term future as Memphis navigates a potential rebuild.<\/p>\n

That raises an intriguing possibility: could Jenkins and Morant reunite in Milwaukee?<\/p>\n

While such a scenario remains speculative, the connection is notable. Jenkins built Memphis\u2019 system around Morant\u2019s speed and playmaking, and his familiarity with the guard\u2019s strengths could make him an appealing option for a Bucks team evaluating multiple pathways forward.<\/p>\n

Whether that includes pairing Morant with Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> or preparing for a post-Giannis era remains uncertain.<\/p>\n

Bucks Facing Larger Organizational Questions<\/p>\n

The potential coaching change is just one piece of a broader puzzle for Milwaukee.<\/p>\n

According to ClutchPoints\u2019 Brett Siegel, there is a growing belief that significant changes could be coming, with Rivers\u2019 future potentially tied to the direction of the roster.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing has gone right for the Bucks in quite some time,\u201d Siegel wrote<\/a>, noting concerns about confidence in the current coaching approach.<\/p>\n

At the center of those decisions is Antetokounmpo, whose long-term future with the franchise continues to shape the organization\u2019s outlook.<\/p>\n

Bucks at a Crossroads<\/p>\n

Milwaukee\u2019s struggles have created a sense of urgency heading into the offseason.<\/p>\n

If the Bucks move on from Rivers, Jenkins\u2019 name is expected to be among the first considered \u2014 not only for his coaching r\u00e9sum\u00e9, but also for his potential role in shaping the team\u2019s next phase.<\/p>\n

Whether that phase includes a retool around Antetokounmpo, a pursuit of another star, or a more significant reset remains to be seen.<\/p>\n

But with coaching uncertainty, roster questions and trade speculation all converging, the Bucks are clearly approaching a crossroads \u2014 one that could define the franchise\u2019s trajectory for years to come.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAlder Almo<\/a> is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Bucks\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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