The Chicago Bulls are officially hiring recent Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter as the franchise’s newest head coach, sources told ClutchPoints on Monday.
Splitter, 41, had emerged as a key finalist for the Bulls in their hiring process alongside Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori. Originally, Sean Sweeney was viewed as a top target for Chicago before he took the Orlando Magic job, but sources say Splitter was at the top of the Bulls’ list as soon as Bryson Graham began running the show.
Upon meeting with Chicago’s leadership on Thursday, it became clear that Splitter was the organization’s top option. With his values and those of the franchise aligning, the two sides progressed in finalizing a deal to make him the newest head coach of the Bulls.
ESPN was first to report the news of Splitter leaving Portland for Chicago.
Along with Splitter and Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and current Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr. were also considered finalists for the Bulls head coaching vacancy.
What stands out about Splitter is his ability to lead a young team and focus on player development, which are two areas in which he thrived in as the interim head coach in Portland. Upon replacing Chauncey Billups on the sidelines after the Blazers head coach was arrested by the FBI, Splitter led his team to a 42-40 record, claiming the 7-seed in the Western Conference.
Under Splitter’s leadership, Deni Avdija emerged as an All-NBA-like talent, and the Blazers saw clear growth from other young talents like Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson.
Although he had the support of multiple Portland players to be retained as the Blazers’ head coach, new owner Tom Dundon made it his mission to cut internal costs, including at the head coaching position.
Once the Trail Blazers were eliminated from the playoffs, Dundon and Blazers officials spoke with Splitter about the possibility of returning, but the starting point in these brief contract talks was well below average, league sources told ClutchPoints.
That is why Splitter’s return to Portland was a major mystery, despite still being a lead candidate during their coaching search.
With the Bulls’ strong pursuit of Splitter and the clear vision presented to him, the former seven-year NBA veteran now embarks on a new journey to revitalize a franchise starving for success in Chicago.
The Blazers will now have a third different coach on the sidelines for the third consecutive year after losing Splitter to the Bulls. Nori is considered a finalist for Portland’s coaching vacancy, along with Boston Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook, per multiple reports. What direction Portland goes from here with a blend of veteran and youthful talents is unknown.
As for the Bulls, the vision is clear: focus on player development and supply Splitter with the means to rapidly grow in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls own the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23.
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