Bucks fire first-year head coach Adrian Griffin after 43 games

D'Angelo Russell, right, could be moved if L.A. decides to make a trade in the next two weeks. Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

The Milwaukee Bucks fired coach Adrian Griffin on Tuesday after just 43 games, despite having one of the league's top records midway through his first season. The Bucks are now looking to quickly hire an experienced and available veteran head coach, with Doc Rivers being a top target, according to sources.

The decision to part ways with Griffin was described as difficult by Bucks General Manager Jon Horst, who mentioned that they are actively working to hire the next head coach. Griffin was hired over the summer to replace longtime coach Mike Budenholzer, who was dismissed after the team's first-round exit in the previous postseason.

Veteran assistant Joe Prunty will take over as the interim coach. The Bucks, with a current record of 30-13 and holding the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, have faced challenges, particularly on defense, slipping from fourth last season to 22nd this year. Despite their impressive record, the team has struggled defensively, conceding high scores in recent games against the Detroit Pistons.

Griffin, 49, had a 16-season tenure as an NBA assistant, including the past five years with the Toronto Raptors, following a nine-year NBA playing career. The Bucks' decision to make a coaching change mid-season is a noteworthy move in their pursuit of success this season.

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Doc Rivers is an accomplished American basketball coach and former player. As of my last knowledge update in January 2023, he is not associated with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, coaching staff changes in professional sports can occur, and I do not have real-time information.

Doc Rivers has had a successful coaching career, including leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008. He has also coached the Los Angeles Clippers. For the latest and most accurate information about Doc Rivers' current coaching position, particularly with the Milwaukee Bucks, I recommend checking the latest sports news or the official Milwaukee Bucks website.