Full Breakdown
Bulls Hire Tiago Splitter as Head Coach, Ending Billy Donovan Era
6/15/2026, 10:36:38 PM
Core Event: Splitter Named Bulls Head Coach
Chicago’s front office confirmed the hiring of former Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter as the franchise’s next head coach, succeeding Billy Donovan, who stepped down after the 2025-26 season. Sources say the deal is being finalized, with Splitter set to assume the role in the coming weeks.
Background & Context: Front-Office Overhaul and Portland Turmoil
The Bulls entered the offseason after firing executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley on April 6, 2026. Billy Donovan announced his resignation on April 21, citing “a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership” and stating, “I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls, to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit.” Bryson Graham, the new executive vice president of basketball operations, led an extensive coaching search that included four finalists.
Portland’s 2025-26 campaign was disrupted when head coach Chauncey Billups was placed on indefinite leave after an FBI gambling investigation in October 2025. Splitter, then an assistant, was promoted to interim head coach and guided the Blazers to a 42-40 (some reports list 42-39) record, a No. 7 seed, and a first-round playoff exit to the San Antonio Spurs.
Key Figures & Groups
- Tiago Splitter – 41-year-old Brazilian, former NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs (2014), former player-development coach with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, and head coach of Paris Basketball (2024-25).
- Billy Donovan – Former Bulls head coach (2020-26), two-time NCAA champion with Florida.
- Bryson Graham – Executive vice president of basketball operations, overseeing the hire.
- Michael Reinsdorf – Bulls CEO, who emphasized alignment with the franchise’s vision.
- Deni Avdija – Portland forward who earned his first All-Star selection under Splitter.
Timeline of Key Developments
- April 6, 2026 – Bulls fire Karnišovas and Eversley.
- April 21, 2026 – Donovan announces resignation.
- June 12, 2025 – Splitter hired as Portland assistant.
- Oct 23, 2025 – Billups arrested; Splitter becomes interim head coach.
- June 2026 – Bulls finalize Splitter’s hiring.
Data & Statistics
- Splitter’s Portland squad posted a 42-40 (or 42-39) regular-season record, a top-10 defense in the final 51 games (30-21), and led the NBA in second-chance points per game.
- The Bulls finished 31-51 last season, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
- Chicago holds the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft and possesses the league’s most cap space.
- Splitter’s NBA playing averages: 7.9–8.3 points and 5.0–5.3 rebounds per game over 355 career games.
Why It Matters: Rebuilding Chicago
The Bulls aim to leverage Splitter’s reputation for player development—evidenced by Avdija’s All-Star breakout and growth of young talents like Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson in Portland—to accelerate the progress of prospects such as Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and upcoming draft selections. The hire also signals a shift toward a younger, development-focused coaching philosophy under Graham’s leadership.
Official Statements & Responses
Bulls executives highlighted Splitter’s “ability to lead the team’s player development, organizational alignment on the franchise’s direction and vision,” and noted his “leadership and knowledge base as a coach rising through the ranks since 2018.” Reinsdorf added that candidates not “sold on Billy” or the desired developmental approach would not be considered. Portland’s front office acknowledged Splitter’s contribution to the Blazers’ first playoff appearance in five years.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note that Chicago’s recent roster moves have left limited high-caliber talent, with former stars Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball already traded. The organization’s lack of additional first-round picks and a history of luxury-tax payments raise questions about whether Splitter can succeed without substantial roster upgrades.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Splitter’s exact regular-season record (42-40 vs. 42-39) and on his career scoring average (7.9 vs. 8.3 points per game). No official comment has been released regarding the terms of Splitter’s contract or the timeline for Portland’s next coaching appointment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization. … I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls, to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit.” — Billy Donovan, former Bulls head coach
- “If I interview someone and they're not sold on Billy and they're not sold on a Hall of Fame coach, they're not sold on a person who has won championships in college, who has gone deep in the playoffs with Oklahoma City, who I believe every year with the Chicago Bulls given the team he was given I think he achieved really good results,” — Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls CEO
- “Not the results that we wanted, but that's not because of Billy. If someone's not interested in Billy as our coach ... then they're probably not the right candidate for us.” — Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls CEO
- “BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are finalizing the hire of Portland Trail Blazers interim Tiago Splitter as the franchise's new head coach, sources tell ESPN.” — Shams Charania, ESPN reporter
- “The Bulls landed on Splitter due to his ability to lead the team’s player development, organizational alignment on the franchise's direction and vision, and his leadership and knowledge base as a coach rising through the ranks since 2018 as well as a seven-year NBA player with one championship with the San Antonio Spurs.” — Shams Charania, ESPN reporter
What’s Next
The Bulls will enter the 2026 NBA Draft with the No. 4 and No. 15 selections, likely shaping the roster around Splitter’s developmental blueprint. Meanwhile, Portland continues its coaching search, with Micah Nori and Tyler Lashbrook identified as leading candidates. Both franchises aim to solidify their long-term strategies before the season opens in October.
