Milwaukee Bucks shock as they sack head coach Griffin
In a surprise move by the Milwaukee Bucks, head coach Adrian Griffin was sacked on Tuesday, Jan. 23, despite the team’s strong standing in the Eastern Conference.
“This was a difficult decision to make during the season,” said Bucks general manager Jon Horst in a statement. “We are working immediately toward hiring our next head coach. We thank Coach Griffin for his hard work and contributions to the team.”
Griffin, 49, took over as head coach in June after the departure of predecessor Mike Budenholzer. His appointment was praised for his “championship-level coaching pedigree, character, basketball acumen and ability to connect with players.”
The Bucks have had a solid start to the season, with a 30-13 record, the second best winning percentage in the league. Griffin’s last game in charge was Monday’s 122-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Assistant Bucks coach Joe Prunty will take over as the interim head coach until a permanent successor is appointed. Reports suggest that the Bucks are targeting former Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers as Griffin’s long-term replacement.
