Bucks Announce New Head Coach Following Doc Rivers' Departure

The Milwaukee Bucks announced their next head coach on Thursday, officially awarding the position to Taylor Jenkins.

Jenkins most recently spent six seasons as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, leading the team to a 250-214 overall record. He was fired by the Grizzlies with nine games remaining in the 2024-25 NBA season, despite the fact that the team was poised to make the playoffs.

Just before his first head coaching job with the Grizzlies, Jenkins spent one season as an assistant coach on Mike Budenholzer’s Milwaukee staff in 2018-19.

Jenkins replaces Doc Rivers, who stepped down following his third season as head coach of the Bucks earlier this month.

"Taylor is an innovative and driven coach who embodies the culture of winning and hard work," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. "His basketball intellect, comprehensive experience and leadership ability have played a key role in building successful teams throughout his career. He's the right fit to take our team to the next level."

"My family and I are thrilled to return to Milwaukee," Jenkins added. "I know firsthand how important this team is to Bucks fans and the City of Milwaukee, and I'm so excited to get to work."

The Bucks finished the 2025-26 NBA season with a 32-50 record, ending a streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances for the franchise. This coaching change comes amid swirling speculation regarding the future of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who very well could be heading elsewhere this offseason.

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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 8:06 PM.