Chicago Bulls finalize Tiago Splitter as new leader for 42-40 team
The Chicago Bulls are finalizing the hiring of Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, according to reports released on Monday, June 15, 2026. Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham reportedly led an extensive search that began with a double-digit number of candidates before selecting the 41-year-old former NBA champion.
Splitter fills the position vacated by Billy Donovan, who stepped down following the 2025-2026 season rather than work with a newly restructured front office.
Splitter arrives in Chicago after a successful stint as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. He was elevated to the role on October 23, 2025, after Chauncey Billups was placed on leave due to a federal gambling investigation.
During the 2025-2026 campaign, Splitter guided the Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record, marking the franchise’s first winning season and playoff appearance since 2021. Portland secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference after defeating the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In tournament.
The decision to hire Splitter signals a commitment to culture building and fundamental defensive play. Under Splitter’s leadership last season, Portland boasted a top-10 defense over the final 51 games of the regular season and led the NBA in second-chance points per game. Just as com/international-news/supply-chain-resiliency-perma-crisis-era-logistics-shift/”>supply chain resiliency is prioritized to ensure long-term stability in global markets, the Bulls appear focused on finding a coach whose vision aligns with their new front office structure.
Improving Chicago Bulls player development and defensive identity
A central tenet of the Bulls’ coaching search was finding a leader capable of revitalizing the team’s internal growth. The organization has struggled to develop talent in recent years, often giving up on players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.
Splitter’s background as a development coach with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets was reportedly a major factor in his selection as the organization looks to avoid past personnel mistakes.
His results in Portland provided a compelling case for his candidacy. Star forward Deni Avdija earned his first NBA All-Star selection under Splitter’s tutelage, while teammates Shaedon Sharpe and Donovan Clingan also showed marked improvement. This ability to elevate active roster members will be critical for a Bulls team that has faced criticism for stagnant player progression in recent seasons.
Splitter’s championship pedigree also carries weight. Having played seven years in the NBA and won a title with the San Antonio Spurs, he brings a level of respect to a locker room characterized by inconsistent results. Much like how com/sport-news/fox-sports-reveals-2026-fifa-world-cup-punditry-panel-with-zlatan-ibrahimovic/”>star-studded punditry panels offer expert analysis based on years of elite experience, Splitter’s transition from player to coach has been defined by a deep knowledge base of the game’s technical nuances.
New front office leadership under Bryson Graham
The appointment of Splitter is the first major move by Bryson Graham since he was hired as the Bulls’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations on May 4, 2026. Graham has moved quickly to revamp the basketball operations department, bringing in Stephen Mervis and Acie Law IV on May 19.
This new leadership group met with four finalists in Chicago last week to finalize the coaching decision.
The other finalists for the head coaching vacancy included Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt, and current Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr. Despite the competition, Splitter’s specific experience with rebuilding defensive identities and his existing support in NBA circles made him the standout choice for Graham’s staff. The organization reportedly value his alignment with the franchise’s long-term vision.
What follows for the Chicago Bulls
The transition comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise as they prepare for the upcoming NBA Draft. Splitter, who was still under contract with Portland prior to this move, is expected to begin working with the front office immediately to evaluate prospects.
The Blazers were reportedly considering other external candidates for their own head coaching role, making Splitter’s move to Chicago a timely resolution for both parties.
Success for Splitter will likely be measured by whether he can replicate the defensive turnaround he managed in Portland. His ability to foster a 30-21 record over a 51-game stretch last season suggests he can produce winning basketball when given consistent support. For a Bulls franchise looking for a fresh start, Splitter represents a bet on modern coaching philosophies and a return to defensive toughness.