The NBA’s coaching carousel is already in motion after Doc Rivers stepped down from the Milwaukee Bucks, and league sources tell HoopsHype that several franchises are evaluating potential moves ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Bucks Begin Search After Rivers Exit
Lead assistant Darvin Ham is an in-house option in Milwaukee, but he may also attract interest from the New Orleans Pelicans if they decline to keep interim coach James Borrego. Former Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins, who previously worked under Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee, is viewed as one of the top names on the market and is expected to receive an interview with the Bucks. Borrego could likewise resurface as a candidate in Milwaukee; he met with the organization before Adrian Griffin was hired in 2023.
Magic Monitoring Multiple Candidates
The Orlando Magic have not committed to head coach Jamahl Mosley. Should they make a change, the front office could explore Jenkins, Tom Thibodeau, or Borrego. Sources note that Billy Donovan—currently with the Chicago Bulls—might entertain the Orlando job, recalling that he briefly accepted the post in 2007 before remaining at the University of Florida. Around the league, Michael Malone had been linked to Orlando before accepting a position at North Carolina.
Bulls Target Stability After Front-Office Shake-Up
Chicago is intent on retaining Donovan following last week’s executive overhaul. Potential front-office additions include Matt Lloyd, now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Austin Brown of CAA, one of the NBA’s most prominent agents.
Pelicans Weigh Options
New Orleans is considering keeping Borrego, but Ham and former Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie are also in the mix. Mosley has supporters within the Pelicans organization and could emerge as a leading candidate if he becomes available. Ham worked alongside executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars in Detroit, while Ollie interviewed for the Pistons’ job when General Manager Troy Weaver oversaw that search.
Warriors to Reassess With Kerr
The Golden State Warriors will meet with Steve Kerr this summer to discuss their direction. Kerr remains the league’s highest-paid coach, and there is concern about burnout after a difficult season, though Stephen Curry remains committed to finishing his career with Kerr on the bench.
Other Coaching Notes
• Interim coach Tiago Splitter is a candidate to keep the Portland Trail Blazers job after guiding the club to the eighth seed, but Portland is also expected to interview top NBA assistants and select college coaches.
• The Washington Wizards continue to back head coach Brian Keefe, yet his status is unresolved as the organization pursues a playoff berth next year.
• A late-season turnaround by the Atlanta Hawks could lead to an extension for head coach Quin Snyder.
With multiple teams weighing changes, league insiders anticipate an active coaching market once the offseason officially begins.
Source: HoopsRumors
