The Chicago Bulls are expected to name former Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter as the franchise’s next head coach, ending a month-long search and ushering in a new era under executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham. Splitter fills the vacancy created by Billy Donovan, who stepped down from his position in April following a six-year tenure with the team.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported: “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.”

The 41-year-old Brazilian earned strong consideration after guiding Portland to a 42-40 record and its first playoff appearance since 2021. Elevated to the lead role during a turbulent season, Splitter oversaw one of the NBA’s better defensive stretches and helped the Trail Blazers secure the No. 7 seed before their postseason run ended in the first round. Chicago reportedly chose Splitter over other finalists including Minnesota assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta assistant Ryan Schmidt and Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr.

Before his coaching stint in Portland, Splitter spent seven seasons playing in the NBA as a 6-foot-11 center for the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers, notably becoming the first Brazilian-born player to win an NBA championship with San Antonio in 2014. His post-playing career features five seasons in executive and player development roles with the Brooklyn Nets, a year as an assistant for the Houston Rockets, and a successful European run leading Paris Basketball to a French Cup title during the 2024-25 season.

Splitter inherits a Chicago squad that finished the regular season with a 31-51 record and missed the Eastern Conference postseason for the fourth consecutive year. The team struggled significantly on defense, giving up an average of 121.5 points per game to rank 28th across the league. With a revamped front office, significant financial flexibility and multiple first-round selections in the upcoming draft, Chicago is hoping Splitter can guide their young roster back into contention.

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