In a surprising move, the Milwaukee Bucks have parted ways with head coach Adrian Griffin, announcing the decision on Tuesday. Griffin, who took over as head coach 43 games into the season, faced challenges despite the team’s strong performance, with the Bucks currently holding the second spot in the Eastern Conference.
General manager Jon Horst expressed the difficulty of the decision and thanked Coach Griffin for his contributions to the team. Assistant coach Joe Prunty will take over as the interim coach, with Horst set to address the media on Wednesday.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania suggest that veteran NBA coach Doc Rivers is a top candidate to replace Griffin. Rivers is reportedly in negotiations with the Bucks for the head coaching position, and he had been working as an informal consultant to Griffin in recent weeks. If negotiations with Rivers don’t lead to a deal, Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson is also being considered for the position.
Griffin, who was hired in the offseason to replace Mike Budenholzer, faced the challenge of coaching a revamped roster that included the acquisition of seven-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard. The Bucks, known for their defensive prowess in previous seasons, have seen a decline in defensive efficiency, ranking 22nd in the league at the time of Griffin’s dismissal.
The decision to part ways with Griffin raises questions about the team’s expectations and aspirations, considering their strong performance in the Eastern Conference. Prunty, who has previously served as the interim coach for the Bucks, brings experience and familiarity to the role.
As the Bucks navigate this coaching transition, eyes are on Doc Rivers as a potential candidate who could bring his wealth of coaching experience to the team. The Bucks aim to continue their pursuit of an NBA championship, and the coaching change adds an element of intrigue to their journey for the remainder of the season.
Milwaukee Bucks Fire Head Coach Adrian Griffin, Negotiating with Doc Rivers for Replacement