The Chicago Bulls are finalizing a deal to hire Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter as their next head coach, according to a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press. Splitter, 41, takes over a franchise currently undergoing a significant front-office restructuring following a 31-51 season and a four-year playoff drought.
Why the Bulls chose Tiago Splitter
The decision to bring in Splitter signals a departure from the tenure of Billy Donovan, who resigned after six seasons. According to reports, the team held discussions with Donovan regarding a potential return, but the veteran coach opted to step aside rather than transition into a new partnership with the Bulls’ revamped front office. Splitter brings a diverse coaching pedigree, having served on Chauncey Billups’ staff in Portland since June 2024 and previously working for the Brooklyn Nets for five seasons. His international experience includes leading the Paris Basketball Club to a French Cup championship during the 2024-25 season.
Before his coaching career, Tiago Splitter played seven seasons in the NBA. A 6-foot-11 center from Brazil, he won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.
How the coaching change impacts the roster
The primary challenge facing the new coaching staff is a defensive unit that ranked 28th in the NBA this season, allowing an average of 121.5 points per game. The hiring of Splitter coincides with the recent appointment of Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations on May 4. Graham is joined by front-office additions Stephen Mervis and Acie Law IV, who were brought on May 19 to help oversee the team’s recovery efforts. Splitter’s recent success in Portland—guiding the team to its first winning record and playoff appearance since the 2020-21 season—suggests a focus on immediate tactical improvement.
What happens next for the Portland Trail Blazers?
Splitter’s departure leaves a vacancy in Portland, where he had been elevated to interim head coach following the arrest of Chauncey Billups in October. Billups is currently facing federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The Trail Blazers finished their campaign under Splitter with a 42-40 record before bowing out to the San Antonio Spurs in a five-game opening-round playoff series.
Pro Tips for Following NBA Coaching Trends
- Track the Front Office: Changes in executive leadership, like the arrival of Graham in Chicago, often dictate the coaching philosophy that follows.
- Look for International Experience: Teams are increasingly looking to coaches with global backgrounds, such as Splitter’s success in the French league, to diversify offensive schemes.
- Monitor Legal Developments: Coaching staff stability is frequently disrupted by off-court legal issues, as seen in the Portland case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls?
The Bulls are finalizing a deal to hire Tiago Splitter, according to The Associated Press.
Why did Billy Donovan leave the Bulls?
Donovan resigned after six seasons, choosing to step aside rather than work with the team’s newly established front office.
What is the primary goal for the new coaching staff?
The staff must address defensive deficiencies, as the team ranked 28th in the league in points allowed per game this past season.
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