As Taylor Jenkins begins to put his Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff together, Doc Rivers' right-hand man, Dave Joerger, looks like he might leave Milwaukee for Australia, with him interviewing to become the new Melbourne United head coach.
Dave Joeger gets another shot as a head coach
National Basketball League insider Peter Hooley confirmed that Melbourne had been in contact with the Bucks assistant. Former Buck Joe Ingles recently joined the team and Joerger is said to have a strong relationship with the wing.
After spells as the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings head coach, Joerger joined Rivers' staff on the Philadelphia 76ers before following the veteran to the Bucks in January 2024. In Memphis, he had three strong seasons, hitting 50 wins on two occasions and 42 in his final year, but two first-round playoff exits saw the two part ways.
It is fair to say that Rivers and his staff didn't have the best of times in Milwaukee, so it is no surprise that Jenkins has come in and started to put together his selection of assistants to get the Bucks back on the right track.
Jenkins coaching staff continues to take shape
Having interviewed for the top job with the New Orleans Pelicans, it was confirmed that Darvin Ham would be sticking around as part of Jenkins' staff, which is a huge plus for the Bucks. He is already familiar with the building and is very well-liked by the locker room. Having a recognizable voice can be key to the transition to a new head coach.
Another addition to the coaching staff is former Trail Blazers assistant coach Patrick St. Andrews. He worked with Jenkins in Atlanta before joining the Bucks alongside Mike Budenholzer in 2018. After five years in Milwaukee, he went to Memphis alongside Jenkins, spending the 2025-26 season as part of Portland's coaching staff.
Jenkins was signed to a long-term deal and given a large contract, showing the Bucks management has given him a lot of control with the hiring decisions, too. The overall coaching crew is relatively young, but it still has plenty of experience around the league.
For Joerger, it was very unlikely that he would be given an opportunity to be a head coach again in the NBA, so when Melbourne came calling, the chance was quite intriguing for him. If he does indeed have a good relationship with Ingles, then it could be a fun opportunity for them in Australia.
Add us as a preferred source on Google