Not fired but resigned! Doc Rivers responds again to being dismissed: It was entirely my own decision.

On April 22 Beijing time, after coaching the Bucks for three seasons, Doc Rivers recently admitted in an interview with Andscape reporter Spears that resigning from the Milwaukee Bucks head coach position was entirely his own decision.

In the 2025-26 season, the Bucks only achieved a record of 32 wins and 50 losses, missing the playoffs, and the conflict between the team and Giannis Antetokounmpo also intensified publicly. Under this background, Rivers chose to leave.

“I just felt it was time to leave,” Rivers said. “This wasn’t impulsive. I informed the team management long ago. I’m 64 years old, with children and grandchildren. I’m different from many other coaches: most coaches, after being dismissed, rest for a year or two before returning, but I have coached continuously for 26 years without stopping. I kept thinking: when will I truly enjoy life?”

“I still love basketball and want to continue working in the industry, but I don’t have a clear plan yet. However, I’m certain that now is the best time to step away. This departure is completely my own choice.”

The Bucks officially issued a statement on April 13 announcing Rivers’ departure as head coach. On the same day, ESPN reporter Shams reported: Rivers’ contract still has one year left, and the Bucks will continue to pay him at least $10 million next season. The report also revealed that Rivers is negotiating with Bucks executives to potentially transition into a consultant role for the team in the future.

Currently, it is a critical offseason for the Bucks, as the team needs to decide whether to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rivers’ departure does not mean the team will undergo a large-scale management change.

NBA veteran reporter Jake Fischer recently reported: initial signs indicate that even after Rivers’ dismissal, General Manager Jon Horst will remain.

Fischer added that the Bucks are currently evaluating candidates such as Taylor Jenkins and Darwin Ham for the new head coach position. Rivers stated last week on Bill Simmons’ podcast: I most likely will not coach any team again.

Rivers led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, and he will also be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026, with the ceremony scheduled for August this year.

During his three seasons with the Bucks, his overall coaching record was 97 wins and 103 losses, with a 48.5% win rate, and he led the team to the playoffs twice.