Chicago Bulls Appoint Tiago Splitter as New Head Coach

Posted : 16 June 2026

The Chicago Bulls have officially appointed Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, entrusting the former NBA champion with leading the franchise into its next chapter. Splitter replaces Billy Donovan after emerging as the preferred candidate following an extensive coaching search.

The 41-year-old earned widespread recognition during his time as interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers last season. Taking over under difficult circumstances, Splitter guided Portland to a 42-40 record and secured a playoff berth as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham praised Splitter’s leadership qualities, basketball knowledge, and track record of developing players. Graham emphasized that the organization believes Splitter’s vision aligns with the direction of a young roster looking to establish itself as a contender in the coming years.

During his brief tenure in Portland, Splitter achieved several notable milestones. He became the first Trail Blazers coach in more than two decades to post a winning record in his debut season and the first to win a playoff game in his first year with the franchise since the late 1990s.

Portland also showed significant improvement on the defensive end under Splitter’s guidance. The team finished among the league’s strongest defensive units over the second half of the season and excelled in generating second-chance scoring opportunities. His work earned the confidence of the locker room, including rising star Deni Avdija, who received his first NBA All-Star selection during that campaign.

The Bulls’ search process reportedly included numerous candidates before being narrowed down to four finalists. Splitter was joined by Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt, and current Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr. before ultimately securing the position.

Chicago’s front office was particularly impressed by Splitter’s emphasis on player development, his leadership style, and the experience he has accumulated both as a coach and a player. Since beginning his coaching career in 2018, he has steadily progressed through various roles across professional basketball.

Splitter enjoyed a successful playing career that included an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and player development, working with the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, and Paris Basketball before returning to the NBA as an assistant coach in Portland.

Expressing his excitement about the opportunity, Splitter said the Bulls embody many of the qualities he values in basketball, citing the franchise’s history, passionate fan base, and promising young talent. He added that he is eager to begin working with the team and help shape its future.

With Splitter now heading to Chicago, Portland must turn its attention to finding a new coach. The Trail Blazers are expected to continue their search with finalists including Micah Nori and Boston Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook.

Chicago Bulls Appoint Tiago Splitter as New Head Coach

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