Update 01/26/2024 1:05am:
The Milwaukee Bucks have hired Doc Rivers as their new head coach after the abrupt firing of Adrian Griffin, who started the season with a 30-13 record. Rivers, a longtime NBA head coach, has signed a contract reportedly in the range of $40 million, extending through the 2026-27 season. Rivers had been serving as an "informal consultant" for Griffin during the season, making the transition to head coach a natural move. The 62-year-old brings extensive coaching experience, having worked with teams such as the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers, earning a 1,097-763 record with 19 playoff appearances, two NBA Finals berths, and one championship. Rivers will now lead the talented Bucks roster, including stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, aiming to maximize their potential and address reported player concerns about roles, touches, chemistry, and team strategies.
Update 01/24/2024 12:46am:
NBA veteran Doc Rivers has agreed to become the next coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a source familiar with the discussions, CNN reports. The decision follows the firing of first-year head coach Adrian Griffin by the Bucks earlier on Tuesday after 43 games. The team expressed the intention to hire their next head coach promptly.
However, the presumed deal isn't quite completed. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Milwaukee Bucks and Doc Rivers continue to work towards a deal that will make him the franchise’s next head coach, but there is no agreement in place as of now, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
Original 01/23/2024 4:35pm:
On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to terminate the contract of their first-year head coach, Adrian Griffin.
According to sources, the team is now focused on swiftly pursuing a select group of experienced and available veteran head coaches, with Doc Rivers being one of the top candidates. In a statement, Bucks General Manager Jon Horst acknowledged that this was a challenging choice to make mid-season and expressed the team's commitment to promptly hiring their next head coach. The organization voiced gratitude towards Coach Griffin for his dedication and contributions to the team.
In the meantime, veteran assistant Joe Prunty will assume the role of interim coach. The Bucks are scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in their next game on Wednesday. Milwaukee had appointed Griffin as head coach during Summer 2023, following the departure of long-time coach Mike Budenholzer, who was let go after the team's early elimination from last season's playoffs. The acquisition of Damian Lillard through a significant trade added pressure on the franchise to achieve success this season.
Source: Youtube
