Tiago Splitter Leaves Portland, Nears Chicago Bulls Job

Tiago Splitter, who coached the Portland Trail Blazers this past season, is set to leave Portland and take over a new team next year. According to NBA reporter Shams Charania, Splitter is in the final stages of being appointed head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

Splitter arrived in Portland a few games into the season, during a period of instability for the franchise. He quickly steadied the team and improved its play, then helped bring the Trail Blazers back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021/22 season.

Portland finished the season strongly under Splitter and exceeded the club’s expectations, even though the Blazers lost 4-1 to the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. Chicago chose him, Charania reported, because of his ability to develop players, his fit with the organization’s direction, and his vision for the franchise’s future.

The Bulls also valued his broader background. Splitter has coached since 2018 and spent seven years as an NBA player, winning one championship with the San Antonio Spurs. Those factors strengthened his profile as a candidate seen as bringing knowledge, experience, and leadership.