NBA Rumors: The main candidate to replace Doc Rivers if he ends up leaving Milwaukee

Doc Rivers' time leading the Milwaukee Bucks could be coming to an end just two years after he arrived. The coach left his role as an analyst at ESPN in 2024 to take the helm of the team, signing a four-year contract valued at around 40 million dollars.

However, his continuity is now in doubt. According to journalist Marc Stein, there is an increasing sense that the franchise and the coach could go their separate ways or at least redefine their relationship after a challenging 2025-26 season. Likewise, reports from Brett Siegel suggest that uncertainty is growing, with several players losing confidence in Rivers' ability to lead the team.

The Bucks will not make the playoffs for the first time in nine years, in a season marked by injuries and constant speculation about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rivers has failed to find solutions amid this adverse context. With this scenario in mind, Milwaukee is reportedly considering a possible replacement. The name gaining traction is that of Taylor Jenkins, former coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, who is familiar with the franchise having been an assistant to Mike Budenholzer in the 2018-19 season.

Jenkins was fired in March 2025, with nine games left in the season, amidst rumors of internal tensions with the team. Over his six years in Memphis, he achieved a record of 250 wins and 214 losses, as well as leading the team to the playoffs three times.

Rivers' Modest Performance

On the other hand, Rivers has a record of 96 wins and 100 losses with Milwaukee to date. In his first two seasons, the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs both times. Despite his current situation, the coach was recently included in the 2026 Hall of Fame class, highlighting his career achievements despite the uncertainties surrounding his immediate future.

Given this scenario, it is not ruled out that Rivers may return to the media in the near future, resuming his role as an analyst if his departure from Milwaukee is confirmed.