Doc Rivers Ends Coaching Career, Becomes NBC NBA Analyst

WHO:

RealGM Basketball - Rivers expressed interest in potentially working alongside his son, Austin Rivers, who also serves as an NBC analyst.

Boston.com - Doc Rivers, former coach of the Boston Celtics, has joined NBC as an NBA analyst.

RealGM Basketball - Rivers was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame earlier this year.

RealGM Basketball - Sam Flood, NBC sports executive producer and president, praised Rivers' hire.

WHAT:

RealGM Basketball - Rivers will have the possibility of additional studio work throughout the year as part of his role with NBC.

RealGM Basketball - Rivers stated, "I had a long run. It ended up in the Hall of Fame and I am so thankful that I was able to coach and played as long as I did."

RealGM Basketball - Rivers mentioned, "I don't take a lot of breaks in my life," indicating his ongoing commitment to the game through his new role.

RealGM Basketball - Rivers noted he previously turned down an NBC analyst offer in 1996 because he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't return to coaching.

Boston.com - Rivers led the Celtics to the NBA title in 2008 and returned to the finals two years later.

RealGM Basketball - Rivers confirmed his coaching career has ended for good.

RealGM Basketball - Rivers ranks sixth all-time in NBA coaching wins with 1,194 and games coached with 2,059.

RealGM Basketball - Rivers will appear on games across NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN for the 2026-27 season.

WHERE:

RealGM Basketball - Rivers will work with NBC, which includes coverage on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.

WHEN:

RealGM Basketball - NBC's coverage will feature three opening night games, headlined by the New York Knicks hosting Philadelphia in LeBron James' debut with the 76ers.

RealGM Basketball - NBC's coverage begins Oct. 20 with three opening night games.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - Rivers stated, "I honestly can say I'm absolutely retired," indicating his commitment to focus on television work.

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - Rivers previously worked with NBC as a studio analyst during the 2012 London Olympics and spent three years with Turner Sports before starting his coaching career with the Orlando Magic in 1999.

Doc Rivers is set to take on additional studio work throughout the year as part of his new role with NBC. Reflecting on his career, Rivers expressed gratitude for his long journey in basketball, stating, "I had a long run. It ended up in the Hall of Fame and I am so thankful that I was able to coach and played as long as I did." He also emphasized his dedication to the sport, saying, "I don't take a lot of breaks in my life," highlighting his ongoing commitment to the game.