Tiago Splitter’s path to the Chicago Bulls’ head coaching job wasn’t supposed to look like this. Less than a year after taking over for a Blazers coach who was arrested by the FBI, Splitter somehow found himself on the outside looking in — not because of poor performance, but because Portland’s new ownership decided to pinch pennies.
That cost-cutting gamble became Chicago’s jackpot.
The Bulls are hiring the 41-year-old former interim head coach, according to reports confirmed Monday. Splitter had been a finalist alongside Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori after Sean Sweeney took the Orlando Magic job. But sources indicate Splitter was Chicago’s top choice as soon as Bryson Graham took over the franchise’s decision-making.
The Numbers That Made Splitter a Target
In Portland, Splitter did something no one expected: he turned a roster in chaos into a 42-40 team that grabbed the 7-seed in the Western Conference. After replacing Chauncey Billups — who was taken off the sideline following his FBI arrest — Splitter didn’t just keep the ship steady. He accelerated it.
Deni Avdija transformed into an All-NBA caliber player under Splitter’s watch. Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson showed real growth. The Blazers looked like a team with a future — but not one the new front office was willing to pay for.
Portland’s Bargaining Table Snafu
New owner Tom Dundon reportedly made internal cost reduction a priority, and that included the head coaching salary. According to league sources, when Blazers officials finally sat down with Splitter to discuss a return, the starting offer was well below market value. That disconnect is what turned a straightforward retention into a mystery.
Splitter remained a candidate during Portland’s own coaching search, but the financial chasm between the two sides never closed. Meanwhile, Chicago came in with a clear vision and a strong pitch — reportedly centered on player development and leading a young core hungry for direction.
What Splitter Brings to Chicago
The Bulls are a franchise starving for stability and success. Splitter’s reputation as a player development specialist — honed over seven years as an NBA player and then on the bench — directly addresses their biggest need. Chicago has young talent that hasn’t consistently reached its potential. Splitter has recent proof he can unlock it.
Multiple Portland players reportedly wanted him to stay, which speaks to his ability to hold a locker room. But in the NBA, loyalty only stretches as far as the checkbook. Portland chose cheap. Chicago chose ambition.
This story is developing, and more details on the contract terms and coaching staff are expected in the coming days.
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