The ongoing reconstruction of the Chicago Bulls took a significant step forward with the hiring of former Portland Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter. Capitalizing on uncertainty surrounding potential staff cuts in Portland, Chicago’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Bryson Graham, finalized Splitter’s hiring to lead their young roster into a new era.
Splitter’s extensive background includes winning an NBA championship in 2014 as a player with the San Antonio Spurs and an impressive dual-title run with Paris Basketball in 2025.
However, Splitter’s departure created a sudden void in Oregon, compelling the front office to act swiftly in securing their next leader. According to a social media update from Jason Quick on X, the Portland Trail Blazers have hired Micah Nori, the lead assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the franchise’s new head coach.
BREAKING: Micah Nori has agreed to become the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell @TheAthletic. Nori was lead assistant of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past five years. Nori, 52, signed a one-year deal with team options for each of the next two seasons.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) June 23, 2026
Nori is widely regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the league and has been part of NBA coaching since 2009. After playing a crucial role in strategizing for various teams, he now officially takes the reins in Portland under a multi-year contract.
Before Nori secured the position, the Trail Blazers explored a pool of highly accomplished candidates across the league. Rumors suggested that Chris Jent, the associate head coach of the New York Knicks, was gaining traction in Portland’s search after Splitter’s exit.
Jent, who served as a key offensive architect under Mike Brown, recently led the Knicks to the 2026 NBA championship against the San Antonio Spurs, further enhancing his two-decade resume. Although Jent emerged as a compelling late option, the organization ultimately chose Nori to lead the franchise.
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