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Doc Rivers steps down as coach of Los Angeles Clippers, Internet split following his resignation

According to ESPN, he still had two years left in his contract, however, according to Clippers chairman Steve Ballmer, the decision was 'mutual'

Los Angeles Clippers coach, Doc Rivers stepped down from his position on Monday, September 28. He still had two years left in his contract, however, according to Clippers chairman Steve Ballmer, the decision was "mutual". The Clippers exited the league after losing to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinal after gaining a 3-1 lead and this meant their hopes of clinching the title have to wait another season.

In his statement, Ballmer said: "Doc has been a terrific coach for the Clippers, an incredible ambassador, and a pillar of strength during tumultuous times. He won a heck of a lot of games and laid a foundation for this franchise." Rivers has been the Clippers coach in five of their half-a-dozen best seasons as per an ESPN report. It was heavily touted they would face the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals, however, an inspiring comeback from the Nuggets sealed their fate.

Rivers took to Twitter to express his thoughts. "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. "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."

Soon after their devastating loss to the Nuggets, Rivers said he would accept the blame. "We didn't meet them [expectations] that's the bottom line. I'm the coach, and I'll take any blame for it. But we didn't meet our expectations, clearly, because if we had, in my opinion, we'd still be playing." The Clippers have a 356-208 record under Rivers, but despite that, they do not have a conference finals appearance. ESPN also added his 943 wins is the 11th most by a head coach all-time.

Ballmer said the process of hiring a new coach to replace Rivers would begin immediately. "I am immeasurably grateful to Doc for his commitment and contributions to the Clippers and the city of Los Angeles," Ballmer explained. "I am also extremely confident in our front office and our players. We will find the right coach to lead us forward and help us reach our ultimate goals. We will begin the search and interview process immediately."

After Rivers's announcement, there was an avalanche of tweets that saw varied opinions. There was massive respect from one side of the Clippers supporters while another part felt it was time for someone else to take charge. "Legitimately, you changed our franchise. If you weren’t hired, we wouldn’t be where we our. You pissed off a lot of fans this year but we won’t forget what you’ve done for us. #ThankYouDoc," read one of the tributes. "The real #ClipperNation appreciates you for taking a chance and coming here. Many ups and downs, many good times and hard times, but you’ve been a coach I’ll forever love and respect. Thank you Doc. Wish you the best," one of the fans wrote.

And then the not-so-positive reactions "I'd prefer not Doc Rivers. Tired of watching coaches lose with one franchise just move onto another. Find some fresh blood and give em a shot," a comment read. "Doc Rivers is the Tom Coughlin of the NBA. A bad coach that continues to build a reputation as a good one because he won a fluke title once or twice," a fan tweet read.