Doc Rivers Hints at Decision on NBA Future in New Comments After Exit as Bucks HC

Doc Rivers hinted at retirement being on the horizon after stepping down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

"We met about seven weeks ago, me and ownership," Rivers said during a Friday appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast (h/t Yahoo Sports' Jack Baer). "We had a great meeting. They asked me what I wanted to do. One of the owners says one plan is, 'If we do this, you can hang in there for a year or two.' I literally said, 'Oh, no, no, no.'"

"I told my coaches, I'm done," he added. "I loved coaching. Loved it. I had a lot of success at it, had way more ups than downs. But at the end of the day, I've given 47 years or whatever, I don't even know how old I am … with no off time. I just wanted a break. I want to get away. The grandkids and just life in general, man. Right now, I can tell you, Bill, I think it was time, so I'd be surprised if I coached another game, I'll put it that way."

Rivers was the second-oldest head coach in the NBA prior to his Bucks exit, sitting behind Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.

Milwaukee compiled a 32-50 record during its 2025-26 campaign, marking the team's worst finish since the 2013-14 season. Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo only appeared in 36 games due to knee issues.

Rivers owns a career record of 1,194-866 across 27 seasons with the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Bucks.

Rivers earned Coach of the Year honors in 2000 and won a championship with the Celtics in 2008.

As the 64-year-old prepares to enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2026, his days as head coach may be permanently over.