Bucks’ collapse highlights coaching questions around Doc Rivers 1 Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the 3rd quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Bucks’ collapse highlights coaching questions around Doc Rivers

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 12:37 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are sitting at a disappointing 11-18 this season, struggling through the 2025-26 NBA campaign. With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future increasingly in question, the organization faces mounting criticism, and Doc Rivers’ inability to get the Bucks on track cannot be overlooked.

Doc Rivers assumed the head coaching role in Milwaukee in January 2024, when the Bucks were 32-14 and positioned as legitimate title contenders. Many expected a coaching change to elevate the team’s championship prospects, but since Rivers’ arrival, the Bucks have struggled, a disappointing stretch considering they boast a perennial MVP candidate.

“In 2024, Doc Rivers took over a 32-14 Bucks team that was seen as being a good coaching change away from being strong title contenders, and had been a top three seed the previous five years (one seed three times). Since then, he has gone 76-71 and hasn’t won a playoff series,” a Reddit user wrote.

Doc Rivers’ record with the Bucks

That record speaks for itself. The Bucks were long viewed as steady contenders, capturing a championship in 2021. While injuries and roster turnover have played a role, Rivers’ results remain below expectations. Since taking over, he has yet to deliver the performance the team and fans anticipated.

A rebuild appears increasingly likely for the Bucks. If that path unfolds, the organization will need to evaluate who should lead the team. Based on his performance to date, Rivers doesn’t appear to be the right choice for the long term.

Bucks’ collapse highlights coaching questions around Doc Rivers 2 Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The Bucks have dropped three straight games and will aim to stop the skid when they take on the Indiana Pacers (6–23) during a five-game road trip. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s front office is under increasing pressure to explore new directions as their season continues to unravel.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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