Nov 16, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts to a call by referee Brandon Schwab (86) during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

'There’s Certainly a Level of Pressure to Succeed' – Milwaukee Bucks’ Doc Rivers is on the Coaching Hot Seat, Per Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 11:00 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks have underachieved in the past two seasons, exiting from the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Because of this, one insider believes that head coach Doc Rivers is on the hot seat entering the 2025-26 campaign.

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, failing to make a deep postseason run with the Milwaukee Bucks could have dire consequences for Rivers.

“Moving over to the Eastern Conference, there is certainly a level of pressure for Doc Rivers and Nick Nurse to succeed with the Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively,” Siegel reported.

Jan 31, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

“Neither coach is in jeopardy of being fired at this moment, but both organizations expect to compete at the very top of the East. This is especially true now that the conference is wide open with the injuries to Tatum and Haliburton. Time will tell if the Bucks and 76ers look to take things in a different direction based on underperformance,” he added.

Milwaukee Bucks could have a hard time holding on to their franchise player, per insider

In the same article, Siegel opined that the 2025-26 campaign is crucial for the Milwaukee Bucks since it could determine Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future with the team.

Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks past head coach Doc Rivers in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

“What Giannis has now is what he will have for the entirety of the 2025-26 season and beyond. How the Bucks perform during the upcoming season will write Antetokounmpo’s future, whether that be in Milwaukee or elsewhere,” Siegel wrote.

“Someone will need to step up and emerge as a real No. 2 threat next to Antetokounmpo if his long-term future is to be with the Bucks,” he added.