Doc Rivers Says Bucks Exit Was '100% My Decision' amid Rumors on Contract Payout

Doc Rivers told Andscape's Marc J. Spears it was "100 percent" his decision to step down as the Milwaukee Bucks' head coach after parts of three seasons with the franchise.

Rivers' departure comes after a 2025-26 season during which the Bucks went 32-50, missed the playoffs and dealt with the franchise's publicly fraying relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"I just felt like it was time," Rivers told Spears. "It was not like some lightning strike or something like that. I told ownership that a while ago. I'm 64 with kids, grandkids. And I'm not like a lot of the other coaches. A lot of the other coaches, when they get fired, they're off a year or two years. I've never had that. I've [coached] for basically 26 straight years. So that's what I was thinking: 'Man, when am I going to start enjoying things?'

"I still want to be in the game and do something. I don't even know where that goes. But I just thought it was time. This was my decision. It was 100 percent my decision."

The Bucks said in an April 13 statement that Rivers had "stepped downas head coach."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported the same day the Bucks would still pay Rivers his salary of at least $10 million next season, which is the final year on his contract.

Charania also reported that Rivers and the Bucks "are discussing whether he will move to an advisory role in the organization."

The coach's departure doesn't necessarily mean the Bucks are committing to more front office turnover during a critical offseason during which the franchise will need to decide on a potential trade for Antetokounmpo.

NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported there are "early indications" general manager Jon Horst will remain in place after Rivers' exit.

The Bucks are considering Taylor Jenkins and Darvin Ham as candidates, per Fischer, while Rivers said last week on the Bill Simmons podcast he would "be surprised if I coached another game."

Rivers, who won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026 this August. He led the Bucks to a 97-103 overall record (.485 win percentage) with two playoff appearances in parts of three seasons.