Full Breakdown
Portland Trail Blazers Narrow Coaching Search to Three Finalists
5/22/2026, 10:31:24 PM
Finalists Identified for Head Coach Vacancy
The Portland Trail Blazers have announced three candidates for their vacant head-coach position: Los Angeles Clippers lead assistant Jeff Van Gundy, interim Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori. The shortlist was confirmed by NBA insiders Marc Stein and Chris Haynes in late May 2026.
Background: Interim Tenure and Owner Involvement
Tiago Splitter assumed interim duties after Chauncey Billups’ departure in the 2025-26 season. He guided Portland to a 42-39 record and a Western Conference playoff berth. Owner Tom Dundon has not yet extended a contract, and reports suggest he is negotiating a lower-than-market offer. General manager Joe Cronin continues to oversee the interview process and has requested permission to meet with Van Gundy.
Key Figures & Groups
The three finalists are Jeff Van Gundy, a 64-year-old former Knicks and Rockets head coach now the Clippers’ top assistant; Tiago Splitter, a 41-year-old former NBA center who led Portland to a 42-39 record as interim; and Micah Nori, a 52-year-old Timberwolves lead assistant with a decade-plus of NBA assistant experience. Owner Tom Dundon makes the final decision, while GM Joe Cronin runs the interview process.
Data & Statistics
Van Gundy holds a 430-318 regular-season record (-.575) with a 44-44 playoff mark. Splitter posted a 42-39 interim record and a playoff berth. Nori has been an NBA assistant for 15 seasons, most recently as the Timberwolves’ lead assistant.
Official Statements & Responses
The organization said owner Tom Dundon will make the final hiring decision, while GM Joe Cronin continues to lead the interview process. The franchise has formally requested permission to interview Van Gundy.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note two concerns. Reports say Dundon is “lowballing Splitter for a new contract,” which may deter the interim coach from a full-time deal. Van Gundy has not held a head-coaching role since 2007, prompting questions about his relevance given his age. Nori has not yet landed a head-coaching job despite a strong résumé.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Marc Stein described Splitter as “unlikely” to secure the job, yet he remains listed among the finalists. No candidate has publicly commented on the process, and salary terms have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
1. “known finalists,” — Marc Stein, NBA reporter.
2. “love to come back to the Blazers and Portland.” — Terry Stotts, former Blazers head coach.
3. “Van Gundy is highly respected, highly liked, and very experienced.” — Heavy.com staff writer (on Jeff Van Gundy).
4. “There have been reports that the Blazers are lowballing Splitter for a new contract, and that could be why he hasn’t agreed to an extension yet to become the team’s full-time coach.” — Heavy.com staff writer (reporting on owner negotiations).
What’s Next
Portland plans to complete final interviews in early June, with a hiring decision expected before the 2026 NBA Draft on June 27. The selected coach will then enter contract negotiations with Dundon’s front office.
