Chicago Bulls reportedly hiring Tiago Splitter as new head coach

The Chicago Bulls are set to hire Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Splitter, a former Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach, will replace Billy Donovan, who left the team in April following a front-office shakeup. The Bulls reportedly selected Splitter for his leadership and emphasis on player development, with him emerging as the top candidate among four finalists, including Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt, and current Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr. Splitter took over the Trail Blazers after Chauncey Billups was placed on leave following his arrest in an FBI gambling probe. Despite the unusual circumstances, he delivered a 42-39 record, securing Portland’s first play-in berth since 2020 before they were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in the postseason. His coaching experience also includes stints as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, and Paris Basketball, alongside leading the Brazilian National Team. Before coaching, Splitter played in the NBA, winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. His hiring marks a significant shift for the Bulls, who fired executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley after another disappointing season. Donovan’s departure followed the front-office changes, leaving the team in need of new leadership. Splitter’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh approach to the Bulls’ coaching staff, with his track record of development and adaptability making him a compelling choice. The announcement is still pending official confirmation but is widely reported as imminent.