Tiago Splitter Named New Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have hired Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, marking a major shift in the franchise’s direction. Splitter, who served as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers last season, will replace Billy Donovan, who opted to step away from the team at the end of the season. The 42-year-old Brazilian native led the Blazers to a 42-40 record and the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference in his first full coaching role.

Splitter’s hiring comes as part of a broader coaching shakeup across the NBA. The Trail Blazers are expected to name either Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori or Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt as their next head coach following Splitter’s departure. Current Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr. was also among the finalists for the Bulls job, which highlights the competitive nature of the coaching search.

Splitter’s rise to the top job in Chicago was overseen by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham, who made the hire his first major decision in a new leadership role. Graham’s decision to promote Splitter signals a commitment to building through coaching continuity and international experience.

Splitter’s impact on the Blazers was immediate and significant. After taking over the interim role following Chauncey Billups’ arrest after the first game of the season, Splitter guided Portland to a 22-18 record in his first 40 games. The Blazers finished with a 42-40 record overall, securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2019.

The Bulls finished the 2023-24 season with a 28-54 record under Billy Donovan. With a young core featuring Coby White, Zach LaVine, and the newly acquired De’Marron Crockett, Splitter inherits a team in transition. His playing background, including a 12-year NBA career and a deep understanding of international basketball, could shape the team’s development strategy.

The Bulls will begin the 2024-25 season with Splitter at the helm, and training camp is set for October 1. The Trail Blazers are expected to finalize their head coaching hire by mid-July.