Doc Rivers, a newly inducted member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, is stepping into a broadcasting role, firmly declaring his retirement from coaching. With over four decades in the NBA as both a player and coach—including a recent tenure as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks—Rivers will join NBC Sports as an analyst for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, which kicks off next month.
This announcement came through a press release on Monday, September 21. In a separate interview with the Associated Press, Rivers emphasized that he is “absolutely retired” and will no longer be seeking coaching positions as he moves into his new media career.
Interestingly, Rivers will be joining his son, Austin Rivers, who is also an NBA analyst with NBC Sports and frequently appears on their broadcasts. Among Rivers’ former players, six—including Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Brian Scalabrine, Jamal Crawford, and Austin himself—are currently part of NBC’s NBA coverage team.
Rivers was inducted into the Hall of Fame in August as part of the Class of 2026. He concluded his 27th season as a head coach recently, with the Bucks finishing 32-50 and missing the playoffs. Rivers ranks sixth all-time in coaching victories (1,194) and fourth in games coached (2,060). His sole NBA championship came in 2008 when he led the Boston Celtics to the title.
This new role isn’t Rivers’ first experience in broadcasting or with NBC. He previously served as a studio analyst during the 2012 London Olympics, worked with Turner Sports in 1996, and had short stints with ESPN during 2003-04 and in 2023 while between coaching jobs.
Reflecting on his career transition, Rivers stated, “I loved playing the game, I loved coaching it and I’ve always loved talking about it. I have great memories working with NBC, and I’m excited to be back and share my perspective alongside such a talented team. This season should be a lot of fun. I can’t wait.”
Fan Take:
Doc Rivers’ move from coaching to broadcasting marks the end of an era for one of the NBA’s most respected leaders and promises valuable insights for fans through his analyst role. His presence on NBC could deepen the viewing experience and inspire a new generation to appreciate the game’s strategic nuances.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
