Doc Rivers' immediate future with Bucks is becoming increasingly clear

Doc Rivers' days as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks are numbered, but that doesn't mean his time with the franchise will conclude. Nothing is etched in stone, but it sounds like the Hall of Famer is angling toward moving to a front office or some sort of advisory role. Rivers made vague remarks alluding to his future on a recent showing of FanDuel TV's Run It Back.

"I don't want to say that I'm retiring because I know that I'm not going to completely retire no matter what happens. I'm in a great place. Me, ownership and the front office are all on the same page. We've talked about this early as before next season about what I want to do. I keep bringing it up because I want to make sure that I'm able to do it."

A front office role sounds ideal for Rivers

This rumor didn't come out of thin air. Last summer, the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn (subscription required) reported whispers that Rivers could make the leap to management status, going so far as to say the Bucks were eyeing Sam Cassell and Darvin Ham as replacements. Yet, Rivers stayed put, and this rumor went away.

Now, it sure feels like Rivers would embrace that opportunity far more after this nightmarish season. Given the rumor from Washburn, it would make sense if the role Rivers "talked about" before the start of the season was something in management. The fact that he kept bringing it up, in his own words, signals that he is eager to get into that position rather than stay in his current role.

That would fall in line with Rivers' recent comments about wanting to see his grandkids more. Being in the front office, in a lesser role, would allow him to spend more time with family. In all likelihood, Rivers wouldn't be the one calling major shots, for those who might be concerned. He'd fit snugly in a role where he prominently serves as an advisor (AKA: "Doc, go hit up the golf course. We'll handle this").

Change is needed in Milwaukee, and it starts at coach

No, Doc Rivers is not completely at fault for all of Milwaukee's issues this season. To point the finger solely at him would be foolish. However, he has done his part. After two and a half seasons of brutal outcomes, it's time for the Bucks to go in another direction, whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the roster or not.

The Milwaukee Bucks simply need to hit the reset button. Get healthy, make some roster decisions, and bring in a coach they will actually lean on. It goes without saying that the past three years since moving on from Mike Budenholzer have been a disaster. The team will have an opportunity to find a new leading voice when the offseason kicks off.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.