Doc Rivers leaves as LA Clippers head coach after failing to take NBA title favourites beyond Western Conference second round

Doc Rivers will not return to Los Angeles as the head coach of the LA Clippers following a disappointing NBA play-off run.  

Huge expectations surrounded the Clippers this season after signing All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George last summer, but the team failed to make it past the Western Conference semi-finals, despite being ahead 3-1 in the series against the Denver Nuggets. 

‘Thank you Clipper Nation for allowing me to be your coach and for all your support in helping make this a winning franchise,’ Rivers said in a statement posted on Twitter. 

‘When I took this job, my goals were to make this a winning basketball program, a free agent destination, and bring a championship to this organization. 

‘While I was able to accomplish most of my goals, I won’t be able to see them all through. Though it was a disappointing ending to our season, you are right there and I know what this team is capable of accomplishing with your support. 

‘Thank you to all the players, coaches, and staff for helping us get here. Most importantly, thank you to the fans. We went through a lot, and I am grateful for my time here.’

Rivers, who spent seven seasons with the Clippers, has already been linked to land one of the currently vacant NBA coaching roles.