4 candidates to replace Doc Rivers as Bucks head coach

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4 candidates to replace Doc Rivers as Bucks head coach

Josue Pavon, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Tue, Apr 21, 2026 ·

4 min read

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As the Milwaukee Bucks commence their search for a new head coach to replace Doc Rivers, All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo will factor into the choice. While Antetokounmpo's cryptic thank-you message to Bucks fans after missing the postseason felt more like a farewell than an appreciation post, the front office has to move on to the next era, albeit with or without Giannis.

Still, expect the Bucks organization to do everything in its power to say it tried. Milwaukee will look for an ideal coach who fits the vision of an experienced, established guy to take the reins and create a new culture in the locker room. Here are four candidates for the Bucks' vacant head coaching position.

Darvin Ham

Returning to the Milwaukee Bucks under Doc Rivers in 2024 after leading LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, Darvin Ham has a positive track record as head coach. While he only lasted two seasons with the Lakers, Ham was the scapegoat for James and the Lakers' 4-0 sweep against the Denver Nuggets .

He's also been a member of the Bucks' coaching staff for six of the last eight years. Ham is a very familiar face within the organization. As a former player who has spent the latter years of Giannis Antetokounmpo's career in Milwaukee, Ham is an ideal candidate for the position.

After Antetokounmpo talked about wanting a strong culture, similar to that of Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics , or Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat , Ham is someone who understands that sentiment. He could also be the right guy to establish a new standard for the Bucks.

Sam Cassell

Along the same lines as Darvin Ham, a former Milwaukee Bucks player who has been well-respected as an NBA assistant coach over the years, the same could be said about Boston Celtics' Sam Cassell . Working under Doc Rivers for nine seasons during his time with the LA Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers , Cassell made a name for himself.

Among NBA players, Cassell is known for his rigorous one-on-one training and for finding common ground with guys. He builds strong connections with guys, including All-Star Jayson Tatum , whom Sam has worked with personally for the past three seasons.

In 2024, Cassell helped guide Joe Mazzulla, Tatum, and the Celtics to their first championship since 2008, which was his third and last, as Sam retired as a player the following summer. He's been a coach ever since. Perhaps it's time for Cassell to earn his first head coach position with the task of helping All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo to his second title.

Tom Thibodeau

Although the New York Knicks relieved him of his duties after leading their team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where the franchise hadn't reached in 25 years, Tom Thibodeau found a way to maximize talent. However, he wasn't finished.

Unable to build on the deepest run the Knicks hadn't experienced in over two decades, Thibodeau took the 2025-26 season off. However, he'd jump at the opportunity to lead Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to a new era of basketball. It'll take a strong voice to win over Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.

And Thibodeau is capable of being that guy. A head coach who holds himself and his players accountable, while building a culture conducive to Antetokounmpo.

Taylor Jenkins

The Bucks have reportedly expressed interest in Taylor Jenkins as a replacement for Doc Rivers. After six seasons as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies , he was fired ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Bucks front office interviewed Jenkins this week, according to The Athletic's Eric Nehm and Sam Amick.

"Team owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam and general manager Jon Horst made their way to Memphis, where the former Grizzlies head coach still resides with his family, early last week to discuss their head coach opening and a vision for the future with Jenkins in Milwaukee," Nehm and Amick reported.

"While there is no deal in place and contract figures have not been discussed, the two sides are expected to meet again soon to further discuss the opening."

After guiding the Grizzlies to the playoffs in four of six seasons, Jenkins was fired weeks before last year's postseason. He compiled a 250-214 record (.539). Jenkins was also an assistant coach for the Bucks under Mike Budenholzer.

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