Bulls to Hire Tiago Splitter as Next Head Coach, Pulling Him From Trail Blazers (UPDATED)

After pleny of rumors in recent days, the Chicago Bulls have officially locked in Tiago Splitter as their next head coach. ESPN's Shams Charania was first on the news before it was confirmed by Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson.

The hire comes following former head coach Billy Donovan's decision to part ways with the franchise after the firing of Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley. New lead executive Bryson Graham was tasked with the search upon his arrival, casting an extremely wide net. The interview process reportedly led to conversations with current assistants, former head coaches, and even a college head coach. Finalists included Minnesota's Micah Nori, Atlanta's Ryan Schmidt, and Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr.

Nevertheless, Splitter started to emerge as the favorite due to his big season with the Portland Trail Blazers. After the arrest of Chauncey Billups, the lead assistant took over as interim head coach and led the young squad to a 42-40 record. Even more importantly, the Trail Blazers were able to steal the No. 7 seed in the West and return to the postseason for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.

Splitter, 41, has been rising up the coaching ranks since 2018. He started with the Brooklyn Nets before gaining experience with the Houston Rockets, the Brazilian National Team, Paris Basketball, and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Of course, this coaching career also began after a playing career overseas and a seven-year stint in the NBA. Splitter was a key role player for the Spurs during the 2010s, winning an NBA title during the 2014 season.

Splitter was up for the full-time gig in Portland and was considered one of their finalists. They will now have to look elsewhere, remaining alongside the Dallas Mavericks as the only franchise without a head coach.

Did the Bulls Get the Hire Right?

Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While only time will tell if Tiago Splitter proves to be the right first hire for Bryson Graham, it's not hard to see why the new lead executive went in this direction.

The list of candidates suggested that the Bulls wanted a young, up-and-coming leader to grow with a rebuilding team. Not only does Splitter easily check that box, but he offers a little more of a proven track record than some of their other options, thanks to this past season.

Unlike most other candidates, Splitter got a head coaching tryout and arguably passed the test with flying colors. He went 42-39 after taking over a very complicated situation and a very inexperienced team. The Trail Blazers only got better as the season went along, establishing a hard-nosed identity that led to the 12th-highest defensive rating in the NBA.

Splitter also garnered praise for the play of Deni Avdija, who took another massive step in the right direction this season. The bulk of the offense flowed through the forward, who earned his first All-Star nod this past February.

Indeed, player development is obviously crucial for the Chicago Bulls moving forward. Splitter showed over the last handful of months that he can generate buy-in from a young group, as well as help put young guys like Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan in a position to succeed. Heck, even former No. 2 overall pick Scoot Henderson started to show signs of life late in the year.

Splitter will now step into an extremely advantageous situation in Chicago. While a lot of work rests ahead to strengthen this roster, he will have two Top 15 picks in next week's draft. Not to mention, the Bulls are in a position to have more cap space than any team in the NBA. One has to imagine that Bryson Graham, who has stressed the importance of communication, will lean on Splitter's insight during this process.

Speaking of which, Portland's trip to the postseason has now cost them both a first-round selection and (possibly) their head coach. Crazy.

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