Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers may not be with the team much longer. There is no doubt that he is one of the best NBA coaches of the last quarter century. He is headed to the Basketball Hall of Fame's 2026 class after winning a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and amassing 1,193 career wins.
However, no one stays at the top of their game forever, and his time under the Bucks' tutelage has been very short-lived. In two and a half seasons as head coach, he has a record of 96–100 and has managed a tumultuous 2025–26 season.
Most believe the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade drama is a dark cloud hanging over the team this year. But a new report from ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday revealed a toxic situation in the locker room and a serious disconnect between Rivers, his staff and the roster. This makes it seem like a coaching change is very likely, whether Antekounmpo is traded or not.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five potential replacements for Doc Rivers this offseason.
taylor jenkins
Taylor Jenkins helped turn the Memphis Grizzlies into a consistent playoff contender in the Western Conference. However, his inability to manage Ja Morant and his on- and off-court issues played a role in his surprise exit at the end of last season. The 41-year-old absolutely deserves another shot as a head coach in the NBA, and his previous experience in helping build a program from the ground up will appeal to the Bucks.
Sam Cassel
Sam Cassel had a really good 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assist during several stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics. For many years, he has been viewed as someone who is worthy of the head coaching job, and it is only a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him a chance. If Rivers was removed he would definitely be considered.
Mika Nori
Another top assistant who has been linked to multiple head coach jobs over the years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nouri. He's been learning on an NBA bench for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants in the game, there will not be a more prepared and respected coach available this offseason than Norrie.
chris quinn
Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is a man who is sure to get a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra's top assistant. The Heat and their culture is one of the most respected in the game because of its potential. Quinn is one of the franchise's greatest acolytes and can bring what has worked for him over the past decade to Milwaukee.
mike wilkes
Sooner or later rival teams will begin looking for assistants from the Oklahoma City Thunder coaching staff as head coach Mark Daigneault has developed a championship program from the ground up. One of his top assistants on his way to becoming the top of the NBA crop is Mike Wilks.
Wilkes has been instrumental in developing their young core and has also worked under several coaches as a player. He has an interesting wealth of knowledge that makes him an interesting candidate to become the next head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.
monty williams
Monty Williams was viewed as one of the great young coaches in the game after winning Coach of the Year honors with the Phoenix Suns a few seasons ago. However, since being fired from Phoenix two years ago and leading a historically bad Detroit Pistons team, his stock has declined significantly. Still, he has many fans in the NBA and has proven that he can build a program and win in the NBA.
