Long‑time NBA veteran Doc Rivers confirmed on Sep. 22 that he is stepping away from the sidelines for good. In an interview with the Associated Press, Rivers said, “I honestly can say I’m absolutely retired. I had a long run. It ended up in the (Naismith) Hall of Fame earlier this year and I am so thankful that I was able to coach and play as long as I did.” He added that he looks forward to focusing 100% on his new television role.
Transition to broadcasting
Rivers will serve as an analyst for NBC Sports during the 2026‑27 NBA season. He will join a broadcast team that already includes his son, Austin Rivers, who is also an NBC Sports analyst. The father‑son duo will bring decades of on‑court experience to viewers across the nation.
Coaching career highlights
Rivers finished his head‑coaching career after stepping down from the Milwaukee Bucks in April 2026. Over 27 seasons on an NBA bench, he compiled a 1,194‑866 record, ranking sixth all‑time in victories. He guided the 2007‑08 Boston Celtics to an NBA championship and earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in his first season with the Orlando Magic (1999‑2000), posting a 41‑41 record.
His coaching résumé includes stints with the Orlando Magic (1999‑2004), Boston Celtics (2004‑2013), Los Angeles Clippers (2013‑2020), Philadelphia 76ers (2020‑2023) and the Milwaukee Bucks (2024‑2026). Prior to coaching, Rivers enjoyed a 13‑year playing career as a guard, beginning with the Atlanta Hawks (1983‑1991) and later playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
Hall of Fame induction
Earlier this year, Rivers was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most respected figures. The honor recognized both his achievements as a player and his extensive coaching contributions.
What fans can expect
As an analyst, Rivers said he intends to bring the same passion and insight that defined his coaching career to the broadcast booth. “For the first time, I can focus on giving TV my 100% attention, which I’m really looking forward to,” he said. Viewers can anticipate in‑depth breakdowns of game strategy, player development and the nuances of coaching decisions, all filtered through Rivers’ extensive experience.
Rivers’ transition reflects a broader trend of former coaches and players moving into media roles, where their firsthand knowledge enhances fan understanding of the game. With his son Austin already established in the broadcast arena, the Rivers family will continue to be a familiar presence for NBA fans nationwide.
Looking ahead
While Rivers has closed the chapter on his coaching career, his influence on the sport will persist through his analysis and commentary. The NBA community and fans alike will watch closely as he embarks on this new phase, bringing decades of basketball wisdom to the television screen.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
