Doc Rivers reveals whether he will ever coach again

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Doc Rivers reveals whether he will ever coach again

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 17, 2026 5:09 PM ET

Doc Rivers is out as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, and he may be out of coaching entirely.

Rivers spoke with Bill Simmons about his plans for the future in a new interview. Rivers suggested the Bucks were open to keeping him on, but that he needs a break and does not expect to coach again.

“I love coaching. Loved it. I had a lot of success at it. I had way more ups and downs,” Rivers said. “But at the end of the day, I’ve given 40 years straight, with no off time. I just wanted a break. I want to get away. The grandkids, just life in general. I think it was time.

"I’d be surprised if I coached another game. I’ll put it that way.”

"I think it was time."@BillSimmons asks Doc Rivers if he believes he's done with coaching after stepping down as head coach of the Bucks. pic.twitter.com/NzjkAZ2VPU
— The Ringer (@ringer) April 17, 2026

Rivers was evasive on the topic of his future before confirming his Bucks departure, but he strongly hinted that he would at least take time off from coaching. He has been an NBA head coach almost continuously since 1999, working for the Magic, Celtics, Clippers, 76ers and Bucks.

Rivers will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in August in recognition of his coaching career. Two-plus underwhelming seasons with Milwaukee is not exactly the best way to end it, but his legacy in the NBA is secure, and it sounds like we will not be seeing him on the sideline again.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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