Tiago Splitter, tabbed as the next Chicago Bulls coach, has shown a steady hand amid sudden turmoil

Live updates

1. 11d ago

   Tiago Splitter officially named Chicago Bulls' next head coach

   The Chicago Bulls have finalized a deal to hire Tiago Splitter as their 25th head coach, ending a month-long search. Splitter’s interim role with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he led the team to a 42-win season and a playoff berth, has solidified his reputation as a steady leader. The move leaves Portland’s coaching situation unsettled. Sources emphasize Splitter’s player development skills and ability to earn trust as key factors in the decision.

   What's confirmed:

   • Tiago Splitter has been officially named the Chicago Bulls’ new head coach, replacing Billy Donovan.
   • The Bulls reached a deal with Splitter after a nearly month-long search, naming him the franchise’s 25th head coach.
   • Splitter led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 42-39 record during his interim tenure this season.
   • His departure from Portland leaves the Blazers’ coaching situation unresolved.
   • Sources highlight Splitter’s player-development reputation and ability to earn trust as decisive factors in the hire.
   • The Bulls aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022 under Splitter’s leadership.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Splitter’s exact contract details, including length and financial terms, remain unreported.
   • Portland’s next coaching steps or potential interim candidates have not been confirmed.
   confidence 98%
2. 12d ago

   Splitter officially named Bulls head coach amid Portland transition

   The Chicago Bulls have locked in Tiago Splitter as their next head coach, ending weeks of speculation. Splitter’s interim tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers—where he led the team to 42 wins and a playoff appearance—has positioned him as a steady leader in crisis. His departure leaves Portland’s coaching search unsettled. Sources confirm the hire is finalizing, with Splitter’s player-development reputation and ability to earn trust cited as key factors.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Chicago Bulls are finalizing a deal to hire Tiago Splitter as their next head coach.
   • Splitter led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance last season as interim coach.
   • His ability to develop players and maintain team cohesion during Portland’s turmoil—including after Chauncey Billups’ arrest—was a decisive factor in the Bulls’ decision.
   • Splitter’s appointment follows an unusual season in Portland, where he took on a larger role and earned strong support from players.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Bulls’ roster should expect a coaching style emphasizing player trust and rapid development, though specifics remain unconfirmed.
   • Portland’s coaching search is unsettled due to Splitter’s departure, but no details on interim plans or candidates have been released.
   confidence 98%
3. 12d ago

   Tiago Splitter officially named Chicago Bulls head coach after Blazers exit

   The Chicago Bulls have confirmed Tiago Splitter as their next head coach, ending speculation after weeks of reports. Splitter, who led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance last season, replaces the departing coach amid a transitional period for the franchise. His steady hand in tumultuous situations was a key factor in the decision. The Blazers' coaching search remains unsettled as Splitter's departure reshuffles the NBA landscape.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Chicago Bulls have signed Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, finalizing a deal first reported on Monday.
   • Splitter led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance in his interim role last season.
   • The Bulls prioritized Splitter’s ability to manage turmoil, having taken over a struggling Blazers team mid-season and delivered stability.
   • His hire follows the Bulls’ executive overhaul and upcoming draft, marking a deliberate choice for a transitional coaching role.
   • Splitter’s departure from the Blazers leaves their coaching search in flux, with no confirmed successor as of Tuesday.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Blazers’ coaching search may restart from scratch due to Splitter’s unexpected departure, though no candidates have been publicly linked.
   confidence 97%