Doc Rivers has left the Milwaukee Bucks after a challenging season, finishing with a 32-50 record. His departure raises speculation about a potential return to ESPN, where he has worked as a broadcaster in the past.
Could Doc Rivers' exit open the door to a return at ESPN? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Doc Rivers has officially left the Milwaukee Bucks, as announced by the team on Monday. Rivers joined the Bucks in 2024, and during his first full season, 2024-25, the team finished 48-34. However, the 2026 season proved challenging, as the Bucks finished with a disappointing 32-50 record.
“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Rivers said in a statement released by the team. “Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege." Rivers said on NBA.com.
Doc Rivers has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2026. Over his 27 seasons in the NBA, he has coached multiple teams, leading them to the NBA Finals and securing a championship. Rivers has coached the Bucks, 76ers, Clippers, Celtics, and Magic, winning an NBA title with the Celtics in 2008.
Throughout his career, Rivers has worked at ESPN as a broadcaster on two separate occasions, leaving the network for team roles in 2003 and again in 2024. Ahead of the 2026 NBA Finals, there are vacancies at the network.
However, Front Office Sports reported on Monday that Rivers is unlikely to return to broadcasting. Instead, Jay Bilas is expected to take Michael Malone's place in ESPN's NBA coverage.
Rivers is expected to pursue advisory roles within the NBA, with the possibility of remaining with the Bucks' franchise still on the table.
Doc Rivers left the Milwaukee Bucks following a disappointing season where the team finished with a 32-50 record.
Doc Rivers has coached multiple NBA teams, including the Celtics, Clippers, 76ers, and Bucks, winning a championship with the Celtics in 2008.
With his exit from the Bucks and vacancies at ESPN, there is speculation that Doc Rivers may return to the network where he has previously worked as a broadcaster.
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