The Milwaukee Bucks have made a surprising move, relieving coach Adrian Griffin of his duties after 43 games, according to the NBA.

Despite the team holding a commendable 30-13 record, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the league's second-best, concerns about defensive performance prompted this mid-season change.

The Bucks find themselves 3 1/2 games behind the Boston Celtics in the competitive Eastern Conference.

Assistant coach Joe Prunty is expected to step in as the interim coach.

With a wealth of coaching experience, Prunty has previously served in interim roles with both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks.

The decision to part ways with Griffin stems from a dip in Milwaukee's defensive prowess, a crucial aspect for a team with aspirations of being a championship contender.

Despite acquiring the seasoned Damian Lillard before the season to complement two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks find themselves ranking 22nd in the NBA in defensive rating, a significant drop from their fourth-place position the previous year.

Griffin was handed his first head coaching role this summer, taking over from Mike Budenholzer, who guided the Bucks to their first title in 50 years in 2021.

The coaching change follows a surprising 4-1 defeat to the Miami Heat in last season's playoffs, prompting the Bucks to reevaluate their leadership.

READ NEXT: Erik Spoelstra Signs Most Expensive Contract in NBA Coaching History 

Challenges and Frayed Relationships Mar Adrian Griffin's Stint

Adrian Griffin's tenure as a head coach faced challenges marked by strained relationships, defensive struggles, and questionable in-game decisions that led star players to question his ability to lead them to a championship, Ringer reports.

Issues emerged during training camp when clashes with assistant head coach Terry Stotts became apparent, leading to Stotts's subsequent resignation.

Griffin believed he was undermined by Stotts, who had a history with new star Damian Lillard.

The defensive scheme implemented by Griffin, reminiscent of the Toronto Raptors, where he previously served as an assistant coach, failed to mesh with the Bucks' personnel, a departure from the successful conservative approach under Budenholzer.

Adrian Griffin's decisions and philosophical differences with Stotts have been ongoing concerns throughout the season.

Despite Griffin's 16 seasons as an NBA assistant, including the last five with the Toronto Raptors, the transition to head coach faced early challenges.

The departure of experienced assistant coach Terry Stotts before the season added to the hurdles Adrian Griffin faced in his rookie head coaching role.

Bucks Eye Doc Rivers as Potential Replacement

Following Adrian Griffin's departure, the Milwaukee Bucks have initiated talks with seasoned NBA coach Doc Rivers regarding the head coaching position, per ESPN.

Rivers, an ESPN NBA analyst, previously led the Philadelphia 76ers to three consecutive Eastern Conference semifinal appearances before leaving last spring.

The Bucks consider Rivers their top target due to his extensive 25-year coaching experience, which includes a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.

The Bucks aim to secure an accomplished and experienced coach, and Rivers' background aligns with their criteria.

The 62-year-old Doc Rivers, an All-American at Marquette University in Milwaukee, brings a wealth of knowledge and a championship pedigree that could guide the Bucks through the remainder of the season.

READ MORE: Jason Kelce Rips Shirt, Cheers on Brother's Touchdown 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Bucks Fire HC Adrian Griffin | Inside the NBA - From Bleacher Report