MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks don’t expect Doc Rivers back as their coach next season, a person familiar with the situation said Sunday night.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement about Rivers’ decision has been made.
There has been some discussion about whether Rivers will stay with the organization in some capacity. Those talks are ongoing, the person said.
ESPN first reported that Rivers won’t be back as Milwaukee’s coach next season.
The news caps a tumultuous season in which Rivers was selected to the Hall of Fame while leading a Bucks team that was among the most disappointing in the NBA. The Bucks went 32-50 amid a series of injuries, snapping a string of nine straight playoff appearances.
The 64-year-old Rivers had left little doubt about his future plans as the season wound down. He said after a 126-106 loss at Philadelphia on Sunday that “I think you guys pretty much know” his intentions and that an announcement was expected soon.
“I have seven grandkids now and they’re all 8 years and under,” Rivers had said about his future before an April 7 loss at Brooklyn. “And it kills me every time I miss grandparents’ day with each one of them in school. And it’s probably time to go see them more. So, I’ll let you figure out the rest.”
