The Chicago Bulls are reportedly hiring Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter to be the team’s next head coach, per NBA insider Shams Charania.
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are finalizing the hire of Portland Trail Blazers interim Tiago Splitter as the franchise's new head coach, sources tell ESPN. Splitter succeeds Billy Donovan as the Bulls' coach after stepping into the head job and excelling in Portland last season. pic.twitter.com/m8e91FrvXC
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— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2026
Splitter had an impressive season for the Blazers last year after he took over when head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested on federal charges.
Portland exceeded expectations and finished the season with a 42-40 record while making the playoffs. They were ultimately eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, but the Bulls were still impressed by Splitter’s season.
He’ll arrive in Chicago to replace Billy Donovan, who stepped away from the Bulls after six seasons following a 31-51 finish.
Charania reports that the Bulls ultimately chose Splitter due to his ability to lead the team’s player development, organizational alignment on the franchise’s direction and vision and his experience rising through the coaching ranks since 2018.
Chicago reportedly chose splitter over other finalists like Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and current Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr.
Before coaching, Splitter was drafted by the Spurs in 2007 and went on to win a championship with the team in 2014. After short stints on several other teams, he joined the Brooklyn Nets as a scout in 2018.
He rose up the ranks before going overseas to be the head coach of Paris Basketball for the 2024-25 season.
Now, he’ll be tasked with helping the Bulls reach the playoffs, which they’ve failed to do so for the last four seasons.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
