The Milwaukee Bucks are officially turning the page. After a disappointing 32-50 season and a mutual parting with Doc Rivers, the franchise faces a critical summer. The top priority? Finding the right leader to steer a roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo back into championship contention. With a strong pool of candidates available, here’s a look at five of the best fits for the Bucks' head coaching vacancy.
At the top of the list sits Taylor Jenkins. The former Bucks assistant is a logical and compelling choice, blending proven experience with a modern approach. At just 41, Jenkins already boasts six seasons as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, where he secured three playoff berths and two 50-win campaigns. His familiarity with Milwaukee’s organization—he was an assistant during their 2019 Eastern Conference Finals run—could provide the seamless transition and tactical upgrade the team desperately needs.
Another intriguing candidate is longtime assistant Sam Cassell. After a decorated 15-year playing career as a savvy point guard, Cassell has spent nearly two decades learning the craft from the bench. He is widely regarded as being ready for his first head coaching opportunity. His deep understanding of the game, honed through winning as a player and a coach, could bring a fresh, respected voice to the locker room, crucial for maximizing the talents of Milwaukee’s veteran core.
The search will also likely consider established veterans like Tom Thibodeau, whose defensive intensity and track record of immediate turnarounds are well-documented. While his style differs from others on this list, his no-nonsense approach could be the jolt needed to reinvigorate the Bucks' identity. Other names in the mix will include coaches known for their offensive innovation or strong player development skills, as Milwaukee must build a system that fully unleashes Giannis while supporting him with consistent perimeter play.
Whoever gets the nod will inherit immense pressure but also a golden opportunity. The Bucks' championship window with a generational talent like Antetokounmpo remains open, and this coaching hire is the first, most critical step in crafting a new path forward. The right leader can restore confidence, implement a cohesive system, and put Milwaukee back on the shortlist of legitimate title threats in the Eastern Conference.