The Chicago Bulls have found their next head coach, and he’s walking away from a playoff-caliber situation in Portland. Tiago Splitter, who took over as the Trail Blazers’ interim coach under bizarre circumstances this season, is headed to the Windy City, according to multiple reports.
Splitter’s hiring marks a significant pivot for a Bulls franchise that has cycled through coaches and mediocrity for years. At 41, he brings a reputation for developing young talent — something Chicago desperately needs after years of stalled progress.
How Splitter landed in Chicago
The process moved quickly once Bryson Graham took over Chicago’s basketball operations. Sean Sweeney, initially viewed as a frontrunner, took the Orlando Magic job instead. That left Splitter and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori as the final candidates. Splitter was the clear priority, sources confirmed.
Portland seemed like an obvious destination for Splitter to stay. He took over after Chauncey Billups was arrested by the FBI — a stunning midseason development — and led the Blazers to a 42-40 record and the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Under his watch, Deni Avdija played like an All-NBA talent. Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson showed real growth.
The financial disconnect
Blazers players supported Splitter staying. But new owner Tom Dundon came in with a mandate to trim costs, including the head coach’s salary. When Portland opened contract talks with Splitter, the starting offer came in well below market value, league sources told ClutchPoints. That disconnect turned Splitter’s potential return into a mystery — even as the Blazers kept him on their candidate list.
Chicago presented a clearer vision and a stronger commitment. Splitter, a seven-year NBA veteran as a player, now takes over a team starving for relevance. The Bulls haven’t won a playoff series since 2015. Their core has underperformed. Their development system has been questioned.
Splitter’s job won’t be easy. But his track record in Portland — turning a chaotic situation into a competitive team — suggests he might be the right fit for a franchise that needs direction more than flash.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
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