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ESPN commentators Mike Breen and Doris Burke payed a sarcastic tribute to former colleague Doc Rivers as he returns to head coaching duties, this time with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ahead of Wednesday’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, Burke and Breen poked fun at Rivers while wishing him well on his new role. 

‘Our dear friend has decided that life as an NBA broadcaster is way too stressful,’ Breen said. ‘So he’s decided to opt for a less stressful job – an NBA head coach on a team that’s trying to win a championship. 

‘We thank him for all his many weeks of service,’ Breen added. ‘And we wish him all the luck in the world.’ 

‘Doc just brought unbelievable energy every single day,’ Burke said of Rivers. ‘He was positive. He threw himself into what we were trying to do.’ 

Doris Burke (L) and Mike Breen (R) hilariously paid tribute to Doc Rivers after he left the ESPN 

Mike Breen and Doris Burke pay tribute to Doc Rivers, who left ESPN for the Milwaukee Bucks, with Breen quipping, “We thank him for all his many weeks of service.” pic.twitter.com/spTFRFnHjN

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 25, 2024

Shortly after joining the network, Rivers left ESPN to accept a head coaching job in Milwaukee 

Rivers joined the ESPN desk after getting fired as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers following the 2023 NBA playoffs. 

He began his commentary duties this season, replacing Jeff Van Gundy who was fired by the network in June. 

Not even halfway through his first season on ESPN, Rivers got the opportunity to coach the 31-13 Bucks, who fired coach Adrian Griffin on Tuesday.

The Athletic reported that Rivers is signing a $40million contract through the 2026-27 season.

‘We’re a little heartbroken today,’ Breen added. ‘[Were] disappointed, but were thrilled for our friend because coaching is in his blood. It’s what he loves to do and this is a tremendous opportunity in a city that he has history in.’ 

‘The question is no longer what he can do for you and I, Mike,’ Burke responded. ‘It’s what can he do for a 30-win Buck team. Even through all that success, something felt amiss in Milwaukee. 

‘But our friend has a legit sH๏τ to compete in the east and I’m gonna try to be happy for you Doc.’ 

Rivers was fired by the Philadelphia 76ers after losing in the conference semifinals in 2023 

The Bucks fired coach Adrian Griffin despite holding the second best record in the east

Over his career, Rivers also coached the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers. Boasting a 215-111 playoff record, Rivers is best known for winning the NBA тιтle with the Celtics in 2008.

After winning the championship in 2021, the Bucks fell to the Celtics in the conference semifinals in 2022. Last year, they suffered a first-round exit after losing to the Miami Heat in five games. 

Milwaukee now brings Rivers’ championship coaching experience to a star-studded roster. 

While keeping several core pieces from the 2021 тιтle-winning team, they also acquired All-Star point guard Damian Lillard to pair with franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo this season. 

The Bucks will look to extend their win streak to four games when they face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.