Bucks target Doc Rivers for head coaching role after Adrian Griffin’s dismissal

Following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin, the Milwaukee Bucks are in talks with veteran coach Doc Rivers as they actively seek a replacement for the head-coaching position, sources reveal.

Rivers, who led the Philadelphia 76ers to three consecutive Eastern Conference semifinals, is emerging as the prime candidate in the Bucks’ pursuit of an experienced leader to guide the team.

In the interim, Joe Prunty has been promoted to the coaching role for the third time in his career, including a previous stint with the Bucks after the termination of Jason Kidd in 2018.

Despite having the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, Griffin was let go after just 43 games into his head-coaching tenure, with the organization seeking an upgrade that could enhance the team’s championship prospects.

Griffin’s 30-13 record did not meet the team’s expectations, particularly as the Bucks slipped from fourth to 22nd in defensive efficiency, partly attributed to the absence of All-Star guard Jrue Holiday.

Griffin’s departure reflects the Bucks’ ambition to secure an accomplished and seasoned coach. General manager Jon Horst believes in Griffin’s potential as an NBA head coach but expressed doubts about the timeline aligning with the team’s immediate championship aspirations.

The focus has now shifted to Doc Rivers, whose extensive 25 years of head-coaching experience, including a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, positions him as the top available candidate for the Bucks, sources indicate. Notably, Rivers, aged 62, has personal ties to Milwaukee, having been an All-American at Marquette University.