Scott Skiles to Continue Coaching the Milwaukee Bucks

There had been some speculation about Scott Skiles’ job security after the Bucks fell short of qualifying for the Playoffs, but Skiles confirmed that he’ll return to Milwaukee next season. Per the Journal Sentinel: “Skiles confirmed Tuesday that he would return for his fifth season as coach with the franchise. And it was clear he believes he has unfinished business after the Bucks faded to a 3-7 record in the last three weeks of the season, hardly good enough to catch the surging New York Knicks or the fading Philadelphia 76ers for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. The lockout-shortened season became just the latest non-playoff year for the franchise, its fifth in the last six seasons and third in four years under Skiles. Skiles confirmed in a phone call that he would return to the Bucks and said he wanted to ‘hit the ground running’ this summer to prepare for next season. Skiles had discussions during the past few days with owner Herb Kohl and general manager John Hammond. The coach decided to work in the final year of his deal with a clear goal of returning to the playoffs. ‘We want to get moving in that direction consistently,’ Skiles said. ‘Now we have to get it done on the court.’ Skiles signed a four-year deal with the Bucks in April 2008 and received a one-year extension in October 2010, taking him through the 2012-’13 season. The Bucks did not take the big step they wanted after finishing 35-47 the previous season, although they did flirt with the .500 mark before ending at 31-35 over the 66-game schedule.”