By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The Chicago Bulls are finalizing the hire of Brazilian coach Tiago Splitter as the franchise’s new head coach, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Splitter, an NBA champion as a player with the San Antonio Spurs, is also a beloved figure in European basketball, as a former player of Baskonia and also as the head coach of Paris Basketball in the EuroLeague for one year, before moving to the NBA as a Portland assistant in the summer of 2025.
Splitter succeeds Billy Donovan as the new Bulls‘ coach after stepping into the head job for Portland and leading the team to the playoffs, after the legal woes of former coach Chauncey Billups.
However, the Blazers kept the “interim” tag on Splitter throughout the season and according to many reports, kept it as the lowest paid head coach in the NBA, never really upgrading him from assistant status.
Splitter, a coach since since 2018, he is just 41 years old and led the Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record and a postseason berth as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.
According to the same report, the other three candidates for the job were Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and current Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr.
Bulls make Splitter hire official
The appointment has now been made official, with the Bulls announcing Splitter as the 25th head coach in franchise history.
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham highlighted the Brazilian’s ability to develop players, build relationships and lead competitive teams, describing him as the ideal fit for Chicago’s young core.
“I am grateful for the trust this organization has placed in me, and I can’t wait to get to work in Chicago,” Splitter said in the club’s official release. The 41-year-old also praised the Bulls’ tradition and fanbase, calling the opportunity to lead the franchise a privilege as he prepares for his first full season as an NBA head coach.
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