Doc Rivers reportedly could return to broadcasting

Doc Rivers may be under contract to serve as the Boston Celtics head coach for the next three seasons, but that does not necessarily mean he will be back with the team.

Not only does Rivers reportedly have interest in the Los Angeles Clippers‘ coaching vacancy, but he also reportedly may have interest in resuming his broadcasting career rather than coach the C’s next season.

A source told CSN New England’s A. Sherrod Blakely that Rivers has not ruled out taking the year off and going back to broadcasting.

“You guys (media) have been around Doc long enough to know that’s always been something he’s talked about,” the source told CSNNE. “So it shouldn’t come as a surprise. And frankly, now is probably as good a time as any for him to go that route.”

People with whom Blakely spoke also expressed surprise at the way Rivers has handled the situation. They say it’s not like Rivers to have his name involved in a report saying that he is flirting with another team, and they believe it will be difficult for Rivers to go back to the Celtics in light of the Clippers flirtation.

This is not the first time there has been uncertainty surrounding Rivers’ future. Rivers talked in the past about potentially taking a sabbatical to recharge and spend time with his family. He most notably mentioned this possibility after the Celtics lost to the Lakers in the 2010 NBA Finals, just as his son, Austin, was entering his senior year of high school as a top basketball prospect.

Rivers signed a five-year, $35 million contract in 2011. He has three years and $21 million remaining on the deal.