Bulls find no-shortcut guy, landing Tiago Splitter as new head coach - Chicago Sun-Times
The Chicago Bulls have officially named Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, wrapping up a near-month-long search. Splitter, who led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 42-39 record as interim coach this season, replaces Billy Donovan. The move aligns with the Bulls’ focus on player development and roster growth. Sources confirm the deal was finalized Monday, with the announcement made Tuesday after a competitive search.
What changed
New details confirm Splitter’s interim Blazers record and playoff push, reinforcing his player-development credentials as the Bulls’ choice.
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Bulls hire Tiago Splitter as head coach, finalizing rebuild move
confidence 95%The Chicago Bulls have officially named Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, wrapping up a near-month-long search. Splitter, who led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 42-39 record as interim coach this season, replaces Billy Donovan. The move aligns with the Bulls’ focus on player development and roster growth. Sources confirm the deal was finalized Monday, with the announcement made Tuesday after a competitive search.
What's confirmed:
- Tiago Splitter led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 42-39 record as interim coach in 2025-26, guiding them to the playoffs.
- The Chicago Bulls officially announced Splitter as head coach on Tuesday, June 17, 2026, following a finalized deal on Monday.
- Splitter’s hiring solidifies the Bulls’ rebuild strategy centered on player development.
- He replaces Billy Donovan, who stepped down after the 2025-26 season.
Still unconfirmed:
- Splitter demonstrated 'real player-development skills' during his interim tenure with the Trail Blazers (source: Yahoo Sports).
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Bulls name Tiago Splitter as 25th head coach after month-long search
confidence 98%The Chicago Bulls officially hired Tiago Splitter as head coach on Tuesday, ending a near-month-long search. Splitter, who served as interim coach for the Portland Trail Blazers this season, replaces Billy Donovan. The move solidifies the Bulls' rebuild focus amid roster development. Sources confirm the deal was finalized Monday, with official announcement following Tuesday.
What's confirmed:
- The Chicago Bulls have officially named Tiago Splitter as their 25th head coach, according to multiple sources.
- Splitter was the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025-26 season.
- The Bulls’ search for a replacement for Billy Donovan lasted nearly a month before finalizing Splitter.
- Splitter will oversee the team’s rebuild and development of young players on the roster.
- The hiring was confirmed through sources close to the team on Monday, with the official announcement made Tuesday.
Still unconfirmed:
- Splitter reportedly went 42-39 as interim coach for the Trail Blazers this season.