Doc Rivers 'Safe' as Bucks' Head Coach: Insider

Doc Rivers 'Safe' as Bucks' Head Coach: Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Milwaukee Bucks have had their third head coach in Doc Rivers since winning the NBA championship in 2021. They had Mike Budenholzer, who was fired two years after leading the Bucks to the top. Adrian Griffin succeeded him for the 2023-24 season and was fired in January 2024.

Joe Prunty took over as the interim head coach for three games before the front office settled with Rivers. However, even with a championship-caliber head coach, the Bucks couldn't have struggled to be title contenders. Over the past three seasons, Milwaukee has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

While other teams would constantly go through various coaches to find the right fit, the Bucks believe in Rivers. Even after failing to lead the team past the opening round for two consecutive years, the front office has bought in with what the former NBA player has to offer.

NBA insider Eric Nehm of The Athletic talked to Bucks general manager Jon Horst. While the topic of Rivers' position became one of the topics, Horst assured that they are on the same ship as the 2008 champion.

"I've enjoyed my time with Doc immensely," Horst said. "He's a big-time collaborator. He sees eye-to-eye with me on culture, professionalism, and communication. He's not afraid to have tough conversations with players — and that's essential in this business."

Horst believes the Bucks have what it takes to win a championship with Rivers as the head coach.

"I think we have a chance to win with Doc," he added. "I think he's a championship-level coach. We just haven't had the results yet in our two years together — but they've been two of the most adversity-filled seasons I've been part of."

Horst went on to tell Nehm about how proud he was to work with Rivers. He also believes that together, they can work to return to the top. The head coach signed a four-year deal with the Bucks that's worth $40 million. He'll be part of the franchise until the 2026-27 season.

Related: Bucks Celebrate 2021 NBA Title Via Cryptic Social Media Post

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.