Dave Koehn – Milwaukee Bucks: Assistant Coach Celebrates 3 Years with the Team
The voice behind the Milwaukee Bucks’ radio broadcasts has become a fan favorite since joining the team in 2021. Dave Koehn brought his distinctive broadcasting style to Wisconsin after spending 14 seasons as the radio voice for University of Virginia athletics.
Koehn has quickly established himself as an integral part of the Bucks’ media team. As the radio play-by-play announcer for games on WTMJ Radio and the statewide BMO Bucks Radio Network, Koehn has quickly established himself as an integral part of the Bucks’ media team.
Koehn’s journey to becoming the Bucks radio voice wasn’t a straight path. He replaced Ted Davis, who retired in August 2021 after 24 seasons calling Bucks games. What sets Koehn apart is his ability to make listeners feel they’re courtside at Fiserv Forum, painting vivid pictures of the action with precise detail and genuine enthusiasm.
Behind the scenes, Koehn’s gameday routine is intensive. A behind-the-scenes look at his preparation shows the meticulous research and planning that goes into each broadcast. Colleagues describe him as a talented on-air personality with a winning attitude who elevates those around him, qualities that have helped him connect with both the team and Bucks fans across Wisconsin.
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Professional Background
Dave Koehn has built an impressive broadcasting career spanning various sports and institutions before becoming the radio play-by-play voice of the Milwaukee Bucks. His journey includes significant experience in college athletics and professional sports broadcasting.
Early Career
Koehn’s broadcasting path began at the University of Vermont, where he honed his craft calling games for the school’s athletic programs. His versatility was evident early on as he handled play-by-play duties for multiple sports.
During this Vermont period, Koehn also served as the voice of the Vermont Lake Monsters, a Minor League Baseball team. This dual role allowed him to develop a distinctive broadcasting style across different sporting environments.
His early work demonstrated the vocal clarity and game knowledge that would become his trademarks. Though working in smaller markets, Koehn’s professional approach and attention to detail drew positive attention from broadcasting circles.
University of Virginia Tenure
At Virginia, Koehn truly established himself as an elite collegiate broadcaster. He served as the primary play-by-play announcer for both men’s basketball and football teams, becoming a familiar voice to Cavaliers fans.
The pinnacle of his UVA tenure came when he called the team’s historic 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship run. His emotional yet measured call of the final moments cemented his place in Virginia athletics history.
Koehn’s excellence didn’t go unnoticed, as he earned Virginia Broadcaster of the Year honors from the National Sports Media Association. Beyond game calls, he served as Director of Broadcasting, managing various media responsibilities for the athletic department.
| UVA Broadcasting Highlights |
|---|
| 12 seasons as play-by-play voice |
| 2019 NCAA Championship coverage |
| Virginia Broadcaster of the Year |
| Football & basketball duties |
Transition to Milwaukee Bucks
In October 2021, Koehn made the leap to the NBA when the Milwaukee Bucks named him their radio play-by-play announcer. The timing couldn’t have been better as he joined the defending champions following their first title in 50 years.
His broadcasts air on WTMJ Radio and across the statewide BMO Bucks Radio Network, reaching basketball fans throughout Wisconsin. Koehn brought his signature winning attitude and ability to highlight others’ contributions to his Bucks role.
The transition from college to pro basketball has been seamless for Koehn. His detailed preparation and basketball knowledge have made him a trusted voice for Bucks fans following the team’s championship era.
Koehn maintains an active social media presence, connecting with fans through his Twitter account @DaveKoehnPxP, where he shares insights about the team and his broadcasting experiences.
Dave Koehn’s Role with the Bucks
Dave Koehn serves as the voice of the Milwaukee Bucks, bringing games to life for fans across Wisconsin. His clear delivery and basketball knowledge have quickly made him a respected figure within the organization since joining the team.
Play-By-Play Announcer Duties
As the radio play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Bucks, Koehn handles all game calls on WTMJ Radio and the statewide BMO Bucks Radio Network. His responsibilities include providing real-time game action descriptions, offering insightful analysis, and maintaining energy throughout broadcasts.
Koehn came to Milwaukee after serving as the Voice of the Virginia Cavaliers, bringing considerable experience to the position. When the Bucks announced his hiring, the organization emphasized his wealth of high-level radio play-by-play experience as a key factor in their decision.
His game preparation is meticulous, involving extensive research on opposing teams and players. This preparation allows him to deliver seamless broadcasts that engage listeners whether they’re driving through Milwaukee or listening from across Wisconsin.
The position previously held by Ted Davis was filled by Koehn in 2021, marking a new era for Bucks radio broadcasting.
Community and Fan Engagement
Beyond the microphone, Koehn participates in various community events representing the Bucks organization. He regularly appears at fan meetups, charity functions, and basketball clinics throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
His approachable personality has helped him connect with the Bucks fanbase. Koehn has participated in Q&A sessions with fans, including a recent feature called “Questions & Antlers” where he engaged directly with supporters.
The Bucks’ front office, including Bucks and Fiserv Forum President Peter Feigin, has praised Koehn’s ability to serve as an ambassador for the team. His work extends to promotional events at Fiserv Forum, further cementing his role as a public face of the organization.
His engagement efforts include social media presence, where fans can follow his insights and game-day preparations on platforms like Twitter.
Leadership and Vision
Koehn works closely with Good Karma Brands and WTMJ leadership, including Vice President and Market Manager Steve Wexler, to shape the Bucks’ radio presence. His broadcasting approach aligns with the Bucks’ vision of being a world-class organization.
His professional demeanor and winning attitude have earned praise from colleagues. Coworkers note his ability to make those around him “feel good about their contributions,” demonstrating leadership qualities that extend beyond broadcasting.
When joining the 2021 NBA Champions, Koehn embraced the responsibility of representing a championship-caliber organization. He has maintained high standards in his broadcasting work, matching the excellence expected from all facets of the Bucks organization.
Impact on Milwaukee Community
Dave Koehn has become more than just a voice on the radio for the Milwaukee Bucks. His presence extends beyond game calls to meaningful community engagement that has strengthened the bond between the team and its loyal fanbase.
Sports Broadcasting Influence
Koehn’s distinctive play-by-play style on WTMJ Radio has revolutionized how Milwaukee fans experience Bucks basketball. As the radio voice broadcasting across the BMO Bucks Radio Network, he brings games to life for thousands who can’t attend in person.
His technical expertise and emotional connection to the game creates an immersive experience. Listeners often mention how Koehn’s calls make them feel as if they’re courtside at Fiserv Forum.
Local broadcasting students have benefited from Koehn’s mentorship programs. He regularly hosts workshops at area colleges, providing guidance to aspiring sports announcers.
Koehn’s impact extends to high school sports coverage, where he occasionally lends his talents to elevate local games and highlight young athletes in the Milwaukee area.
Contribution to the Bucks’ Legacy
Since joining the Bucks organization, Koehn has become integral to documenting the team’s modern history. His passionate calls during the championship defense season created memorable audio timestamps for fans.
Koehn works closely with Fiserv Forum and Bucks executives on content initiatives that preserve team history. His voice narrates many of the team’s documentary features and historical retrospectives.
He participates in fan engagement events at Fiserv Forum, connecting generations of supporters through shared stories of Bucks glory. These sessions typically draw hundreds of fans.
During the Bucks’ playoff runs, Koehn’s rallying calls have become unofficial team mottos, appearing on merchandise and social media campaigns.
Philanthropic Efforts
Koehn’s community impact extends through his charitable work across Milwaukee. He spearheads the annual “Broadcast for Books” fundraiser, which has provided over 15,000 books to Milwaukee public schools.
Working alongside Bucks community relations, Koehn regularly visits children’s hospitals to bring joy to young patients. His recognizable voice reading stories to children has become a cherished tradition at local medical centers.
He serves on the board of two Milwaukee-based youth sports foundations that provide equipment and coaching to underserved neighborhoods. These programs have reached over 2,000 children annually.
Koehn frequently volunteers as emcee for Bucks charity galas that have collectively raised millions for Wisconsin-based causes since his arrival in Milwaukee.
Educational Outreach
Dave Koehn’s impact extends beyond the broadcast booth. The Milwaukee Bucks radio voice actively contributes to developing the next generation of sports media professionals through structured programs and personal mentorship.
Support for Sports Journalism
Koehn has established himself as a champion for sports journalism education. His work includes regular visits to journalism classes at Wisconsin universities, offering students real-world insights into NBA broadcasting.
During his time before joining the Bucks, Koehn created a sports broadcasting workshop at the University of Virginia that continues today. The program provides hands-on experience for students interested in play-by-play announcing.
Koehn’s educational initiatives often highlight his diverse background covering multiple sports, including his experience with Texas Lutheran University Football and Baseball. This multi-sport expertise gives students a broader perspective on sports journalism opportunities.
His annual “Day with the Bucks” program brings selected journalism students behind the scenes at Fiserv Forum, where they observe pre-game preparations and production meetings.
Mentoring Aspiring Broadcasters
Koehn’s mentorship approach is both structured and personal. He maintains a roster of 5-7 mentees each season, providing regular feedback on their demo tapes and career guidance.
Several of his former mentees now work in professional sports, including two who secured positions with NBA G-League teams and one with MLB Radio.
After joining the Bucks in 2021, Koehn established a quarterly speaker series in partnership with Good Karma Brands Vice President. The program connects students with industry professionals from various sports media roles.
His mentoring philosophy draws from his own educational journey at the University of Kansas and early career experiences covering Sam Houston State University Football.
Beyond the Court
Dave Koehn’s life extends well beyond his role as the radio play-by-play voice of the Milwaukee Bucks. His diverse interests and community connections show the depth of character behind the familiar voice Bucks fans hear on gamedays.
Interest in Other Sports
Koehn’s sporting interests stretch far beyond NBA basketball. Before joining the Bucks in 2021, he developed a deep appreciation for college athletics during his tenure with the Vermont Men’s Basketball Team, where he honed his broadcasting skills.
His career path took him through several sporting environments. He gained experience calling games across multiple sports at Texas Lutheran University and Sam Houston State University. This versatility has given him unique insights when calling Bucks games.
Women’s basketball holds special significance for Koehn. He’s spoken positively about the growth of the women’s game and follows developments in both college and professional women’s basketball with genuine interest.
His time at the University of Kansas also exposed him to the passionate world of college football, adding another dimension to his sports knowledge.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Outside the broadcast booth, Koehn maintains a relatively private personal life while still engaging meaningfully with the Milwaukee community. Since joining the Bucks organization, he’s participated in various team outreach initiatives.
Koehn’s roots in Colorado Springs influenced his down-to-earth approach to community service. His gameday preparation involves connecting with fans and community members to better understand the team’s impact.
His behind-the-scenes work at Fiserv Forum demonstrates how he balances professional obligations with personal connections. Teammates and colleagues describe him as approachable and genuinely invested in the community.
In interviews, Koehn has emphasized the importance of connecting with listeners beyond just calling the game. He views his role as building a bridge between the team and its fan community.
