Doc Rivers has wrapped up another run as a head coach. The Hall of Fame inductee decided to step down after a disappointing 2025-2026 NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks. His final game was coached against the Philadelphia 76ers, an organization he coached for just a few years ago.

While Rivers didn’t get a chance to finish the duration of his original contract with the Sixers, he doesn’t return to the City of Brotherly Love with hard feelings. In fact, Rivers was complimentary of the city and the organization, following the Bucks’ loss.

Doc Rivers Makes Feelings Clear On The 76ers Before Stepping Down

GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 06: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

“I coached here–another place–seeing Tyrese [Maxey], seeing [Andre Drummond], guys that I coached is always nice. I have a great affection for Nick [Nurse]. I hope he does well. I didn’t see Joel today. He’s probably somewhere in bed, you know, with stitches. But yeah, it was nice,” Rivers said. “I came in early because of it. I got to see all my friends.”

When Rivers parted ways with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020, he instantly gained interest from the 76ers, who wrapped up a tenure with Brett Brown.

At that point, Rivers had coaching stints with the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, and LA. He won a championship in 2008 with the Celtics. In 2000, he was the Coach of the Year.

The Sixers hoped that Rivers would increase the team’s odds of getting over the second-round hump and win an NBA Championship. The same concerns would take place over three years. The 76ers could get to round two, but came up short each time.

Rivers was let go by the Sixers in 2023. The team replaced him with Nick Nurse. Rivers started the 2023-2024 season as an analyst and coaching consultant, but took over for the Bucks later in the year. His three-season run with Milwaukee ended on Sunday.

“[I enjoyed] the intensity and the competition,” Rivers told reporters when expressing his love for coaching.

“An older coach told me it’s for the insane, and it is, and you love it. That’s how I felt about it. Just loved it. I think I put my teams in so many good situations. They didn’t all work out well, but getting them there, getting them in those situations, took a lot of coaching. The only other thing I would like to say is you’re thankful for everybody else who has helped. I’ve had an unbelievable staff. I’ve had unbelievable players that I’ve coached. It’s been pretty cool.”