Chicago Bulls Finalize Hiring of Tiago Splitter as New Head Coach

The Chicago Bulls are finalizing an agreement to hire Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, handing the reins of a rebuilding franchise to one of the league's rising sideline talents. The move, first reported by ESPN, concludes a comprehensive search led by Chicago's newly appointed Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Bryson Graham. For the Bulls, securing Splitter represents the first major foundational piece of a new era, signaling a definitive shift away from the mediocrity that has plagued the organization in recent years. Splitter emerged as the top choice from a candidate pool that reportedly included Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Boston Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook. Graham and the Bulls' brass were ultimately won over by Splitter's clear vision for player development and his ability to foster organizational alignment—traits that will be heavily tested as Chicago embarks on a long-overdue roster teardown.[1][4][5]

Splitter, 41, arrives in Chicago after a breakout season as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. He stepped into the role under incredibly difficult circumstances early in the 2025-26 season, taking over after head coach Chauncey Billups was placed on leave amid a federal gambling-related investigation. Despite the sudden transition and the inherent instability of an interim tag, the Brazilian coach immediately stabilized the locker room. He guided Portland to a surprising 42-40 regular-season record, securing the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and earning the franchise its first playoff berth in five years. Throughout the campaign, Trail Blazers players publicly praised Splitter's tactical adjustments and his steady, communicative leadership style, crediting him for keeping the team focused amid off-court distractions.[3][4]

Despite his undeniable success in righting the ship, the Trail Blazers hesitated to commit to Splitter long-term. Portland management kept his interim tag throughout the entire season, making him the lowest-paid head coach in the NBA, and ultimately decided to look outside the organization for their permanent hire. When it became clear that Portland was not going to offer him a long-term contract, the Bulls quickly capitalized on the opportunity. Chicago had been monitoring Splitter's performance closely and viewed his sudden availability as a massive stroke of luck for a franchise desperate for a fresh perspective. The Bulls' aggressive pursuit highlights a stark contrast in how the two front offices evaluated Splitter's ceiling as a leader.[2][4]

The hiring of Splitter is the culmination of a dramatic spring overhaul in Chicago. In early April, Bulls ownership finally lost patience with the team's stagnation, firing Executive Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley. The housecleaning continued weeks later when the team parted ways with long-time head coach Billy Donovan following a dismal 31-51 campaign that saw the Bulls miss the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. To replace Karnisovas, the Bulls brought in the 39-year-old Graham, who spent 15 years climbing the ranks in the New Orleans Pelicans organization before a stint with the Atlanta Hawks. Graham immediately promised a "real rebuild," acknowledging that the team lacked star-caliber players and needed to start over from the ground up.[3][5][6]

Splitter's background makes him uniquely suited for a developmental mandate. Before transitioning to coaching in 2018, he enjoyed a highly decorated playing career that spanned both Europe and the NBA. He was a beloved figure in European basketball, starring for Baskonia and FC Barcelona, before joining the San Antonio Spurs, where he won an NBA championship in 2014. That championship pedigree, combined with his recent experience navigating a young Portland roster through adversity, gives him instant credibility with modern players. As the Bulls prepare to pivot toward youth—likely building around recent draft picks like Matas Buzelis—Splitter's international experience and proven ability to maximize emerging talent will be the cornerstone of Chicago's strategy.[2][5]

While the road ahead for the Bulls is undeniably steep, the alignment between Graham and Splitter offers a cohesive direction that the franchise has lacked for years. Unlike the previous regime, which repeatedly attempted to patch together a competitive roster with aging veterans, the new leadership duo appears fully committed to a patient, systematic rebuild. Splitter will be given the runway to implement his system and develop a new core without the immediate pressure of championship expectations. For a fanbase that has endured years of aimless basketball, the arrival of a young, hungry executive and a proven, resilient head coach provides the first genuine glimmer of hope in nearly a decade.[5][6]

The broader NBA landscape has taken notice of Chicago's decisive pivot. Analysts have praised the Bulls for avoiding the trap of recycling established, older coaches, instead opting for a rising star who has already proven his mettle in the crucible of an unexpected interim role. Splitter's tactical flexibility in Portland—where he successfully integrated young guards while maintaining a competitive defensive scheme—suggests he is well-equipped to handle the growing pains of a rebuilding roster. Furthermore, his deep ties to the international scouting community, a byproduct of his extensive playing days overseas, could provide the Bulls with a distinct advantage as they look to unearth hidden gems in future drafts.[2][3]

Ultimately, Splitter's success in Chicago will be measured not by immediate win-loss records, but by the tangible growth of the team's foundational pieces over the next three seasons. Graham has been transparent with the fanbase, warning that the rebuild will take time and that the front office will not take shortcuts. By securing a head coach who shares this developmental philosophy, the Bulls have taken the crucial first step toward long-term sustainability. As Splitter prepares to don the Bulls' colors, he brings with him the resilience forged in Portland and the championship habits learned in San Antonio, ready to write the next chapter for one of basketball's most iconic franchises.[4][5]