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Chicago Bulls Hire Tiago Splitter as Head Coach
The Chicago Bulls have announced that Tiago Splitter will take the helm as the franchise’s new head coach, effective immediately. The decision was confirmed on Monday by Bulls insider K.C. Johnson on X, who said the organization had finalized an agreement with Splitter after an extensive search that included four finalists. The move follows the Bulls’ dismissal of Billy Donovan on April 21, after six seasons at the helm.
Splitter, who is currently the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, guided the team to a 42‑40 record in the 2025‑26 season and earned a playoff berth. According to reports, he took over the Blazers’ coaching duties in October 2025 after Chauncey Billups was removed from the coaching staff amid an FBI investigation into gambling and money‑laundering allegations. Splitter’s tenure was marked by a steady improvement in team performance and a return to the postseason after a five‑year absence.
The Bulls’ search for a new coach began shortly after Donovan’s departure. The organization had been in a state of transition, having also released vice‑president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley earlier in the year. The front office, led by newly appointed executive vice‑president Bryson Graham, conducted a broad search that included candidates with a range of experience. Splitter’s profile—an international player who won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and who has demonstrated the ability to stabilize a team in turmoil—appeared to fit the Bulls’ criteria.
In his playing career, Splitter was a three‑time All‑EuroLeague selection and became the first Brazilian‑born player to win an NBA title. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and joined the Blazers’ staff in 2021. He was promoted to interim head coach following the departure of Terry Stotts and the brief tenure of Chauncey Billups. During his interim period, Splitter implemented a defensive‑heavy system that helped the Blazers achieve a winning record and secure a playoff spot.
The Bulls’ decision to hire Splitter reflects the franchise’s desire for a coach who can navigate a rebuilding phase. The team has not made the playoffs since the 2015‑16 season and is in the process of re‑establishing its roster and culture. According to the Bulls’ official statement, Splitter’s experience in managing a team through change and his familiarity with the NBA’s evolving defensive trends were key factors in the hiring.
The move also signals a shift in the Bulls’ coaching philosophy. Billy Donovan, who had been hired in 2020, was known for his offensive focus and player development. Splitter’s defensive emphasis and experience with international talent may bring a new dynamic to the Bulls’ approach. The organization has indicated that it will work with Splitter to develop a long‑term plan that aligns with its rebuilding objectives.
The Bulls’ roster will now prepare for the upcoming season under Splitter’s leadership. Key players such as Zach LaVine and Coby White will need to adapt to the new coaching system. The front office has not yet announced any roster moves, but the organization has stated that it will evaluate player fit in the context of Splitter’s coaching style.
The hiring of Splitter is the latest development in the Bulls’ ongoing transformation. The franchise will look to the 2026‑27 season to assess the impact of the coaching change on team performance and playoff prospects. The Bulls’ next games will be played at the United Center, and the organization will monitor how the new coaching staff integrates the existing roster and implements its strategic vision.
In summary, the Chicago Bulls have appointed Tiago Splitter as head coach following Billy Donovan’s exit. Splitter’s interim success with the Portland Trail Blazers, combined with his international experience and defensive acumen, positions him as a candidate to guide the Bulls through a rebuilding period. The organization will evaluate the effectiveness of this decision as the season progresses and as the Bulls work toward re‑establishing competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
Splitter, who is currently the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, guided the team to a 42‑40 record in the 2025‑26 season and earned a playoff berth. According to reports, he took over the Blazers’ coaching duties in October 2025 after Chauncey Billups was removed from the coaching staff amid an FBI investigation into gambling and money‑laundering allegations. Splitter’s tenure was marked by a steady improvement in team performance and a return to the postseason after a five‑year absence.
The Bulls’ search for a new coach began shortly after Donovan’s departure. The organization had been in a state of transition, having also released vice‑president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley earlier in the year. The front office, led by newly appointed executive vice‑president Bryson Graham, conducted a broad search that included candidates with a range of experience. Splitter’s profile—an international player who won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and who has demonstrated the ability to stabilize a team in turmoil—appeared to fit the Bulls’ criteria.
In his playing career, Splitter was a three‑time All‑EuroLeague selection and became the first Brazilian‑born player to win an NBA title. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and joined the Blazers’ staff in 2021. He was promoted to interim head coach following the departure of Terry Stotts and the brief tenure of Chauncey Billups. During his interim period, Splitter implemented a defensive‑heavy system that helped the Blazers achieve a winning record and secure a playoff spot.
The Bulls’ decision to hire Splitter reflects the franchise’s desire for a coach who can navigate a rebuilding phase. The team has not made the playoffs since the 2015‑16 season and is in the process of re‑establishing its roster and culture. According to the Bulls’ official statement, Splitter’s experience in managing a team through change and his familiarity with the NBA’s evolving defensive trends were key factors in the hiring.
The move also signals a shift in the Bulls’ coaching philosophy. Billy Donovan, who had been hired in 2020, was known for his offensive focus and player development. Splitter’s defensive emphasis and experience with international talent may bring a new dynamic to the Bulls’ approach. The organization has indicated that it will work with Splitter to develop a long‑term plan that aligns with its rebuilding objectives.
The Bulls’ roster will now prepare for the upcoming season under Splitter’s leadership. Key players such as Zach LaVine and Coby White will need to adapt to the new coaching system. The front office has not yet announced any roster moves, but the organization has stated that it will evaluate player fit in the context of Splitter’s coaching style.
The hiring of Splitter is the latest development in the Bulls’ ongoing transformation. The franchise will look to the 2026‑27 season to assess the impact of the coaching change on team performance and playoff prospects. The Bulls’ next games will be played at the United Center, and the organization will monitor how the new coaching staff integrates the existing roster and implements its strategic vision.
In summary, the Chicago Bulls have appointed Tiago Splitter as head coach following Billy Donovan’s exit. Splitter’s interim success with the Portland Trail Blazers, combined with his international experience and defensive acumen, positions him as a candidate to guide the Bulls through a rebuilding period. The organization will evaluate the effectiveness of this decision as the season progresses and as the Bulls work toward re‑establishing competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
