Story perspectives

Chicago Bulls Hire Tiago Splitter as New Head Coach

6/15/2026

Summary

Splitter Hired Bulls

The Chicago Bulls hired Tiago Splitter as head coach, succeeding Billy Donovan.
He became interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers after Chauncey Billups was arrested in an FBI gambling probe, guiding the team to a 42-40 record and a No. 7 seed.
Chicago finished the 2025-26 season 31-51, missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year and entered the draft with No. 4 and No. 15 picks.

Summary

Splitter Leads Rebuild

Bryson Graham hired Tiago Splitter as the Bulls’ head coach to lead the rebuild.
Tiago Splitter guided Paris Basketball to the French championship and French Cup in 2025.
In 2025-26, Tiago Splitter’s Portland Trail Blazers were 21st in offensive and 12th in defensive efficiency.
The Bulls will rely on Tiago Splitter’s development expertise to nurture their young core.
This hiring signals a shift from pursuing free agents to cultivating home-grown talent.

Summary

Dundon Cuts Staff

Owner Tom Dundon cut costs at the Portland Trail Blazers, laying off 70 staff, ending apparel and slashing hotel expenses.
Dundon’s savings also hit coaching budget, so any new head coach could be among the NBA’s lowest-paid.
After offering Chauncey Splitter a below-average salary, the team began searching for a replacement.
The Blazers, without a first-round pick, are considering candidates such as Utah Jazz assistant Mike Williams and Boston Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook.

History

Historical Context

In 1989 the Bulls promoted Phil Jackson to head coach, guiding Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to a three-peat (1991-93) and a 72-10 season in 1995-96 that secured the franchise’s sixth title. The 2024 hiring of former NBA big man Tiago Splitter and Tom Dundon’s staff cuts continue the Bulls’ tradition of using ex-players as coaches to curb costs and rebuild via the draft.

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Splitter Hired Bulls

The Chicago Bulls hired Tiago Splitter as head coach, succeeding Billy Donovan.
He became interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers after Chauncey Billups was arrested in an FBI gambling probe, guiding the team to a 42-40 record and a No. 7 seed.
Chicago finished the 2025-26 season 31-51, missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year and entered the draft with No. 4 and No. 15 picks.

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