Full Breakdown
Chicago Bulls Appoint Tiago Splitter as Head Coach
6/17/2026, 11:15:06 PM
Bulls’ Coaching Decision
The Chicago Bulls announced the hiring of Tiago Splitter as the franchise’s new head coach, succeeding Billy Donovan, who resigned after six seasons. The appointment was confirmed by the organization on June 18, 2026, following a multi-candidate search that included former assistants Micah Nori, Ryan Schmidt and Wes Unseld Jr.
Background & Context
Chicago finished the 2025-26 season with a 31-51 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. The front office, reshaped by the May 4 hiring of Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations and the May 19 additions of Stephen Mervis and Acie Law IV, sought a coach capable of developing a young roster and guiding the team through the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
Key Figures & Groups
- Tiago Splitter – 41-year-old former NBA center (San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers), 2014 NBA champion, dual Brazilian-Spanish citizen.
- Bryson Graham – Executive VP of Basketball Operations, Bulls.
- Billy Donovan – Outgoing head coach.
- Portland Trail Blazers – Splitter’s interim-head-coach role in 2025-26.
- Paris Basketball – Splitter’s 2024-25 EuroLeague head-coach stint, winning the French Cup and LNB Elite title.
Data & Statistics
- Bulls (2025-26): 31-51, 0-playoff appearances.
- Trail Blazers (2025-26 under Splitter): 42-40 regular-season record, No. 7 Western seed, first playoff berth since 2020-21.
- Splitter’s Portland squad posted a top-10 defense over the final 51 games (30-21) and led the NBA in second-chance points per game.
- Bulls hold the 4th and 15th overall picks in the 2026 draft, with prospects such as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson on the board.
Official Statements & Responses
Bulls leadership highlighted Splitter’s “basketball intellect” and his track record of player development. The organization emphasized alignment with the franchise’s vision for a youthful, competitive roster. Splitter expressed gratitude for the opportunity and underscored his commitment to “grow” the team’s talent.
Criticism & Opposition
Some fans and analysts noted that the defensive specialist Sean Sweeney, noted for his work with the San Antonio Spurs’ recent Finals run, was a popular alternative. The selection of Splitter, while praised for development expertise, sparked debate over whether the Bulls should prioritize defensive schematics over player growth.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Splitter’s Trail Blazers regular-season record: one article cites a 42-20 record, while multiple others report a 42-40 record. No clarification was provided, leaving the exact win-loss total ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are excited to welcome Tiago to the Chicago Bulls,” — Bryson Graham, Executive VP of Basketball Operations, Chicago Bulls
- “Throughout our process, Tiago stood apart for his basketball intellect, his ability to connect with and develop players, and the way his teams compete every single night.” — Bryson Graham
- “I want to thank Jerry, Michael, Bryson and the entire Chicago Bulls organization for the opportunity to lead this historic franchise,” — Tiago Splitter, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls
- “The Bulls represent everything I love about this game, carrying a proud tradition, a passionate city and a young, hungry group of players ready to grow.” — Tiago Splitter
What’s Next
Splitter will assume coaching duties ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the Bulls poised to leverage their high draft positions to add talent such as Caleb Wilson or other top prospects. The organization expects the new coaching-development synergy to accelerate the growth of core players like Josh Giddey, Patrick Williams and the incoming rookie class.