Trail Blazers Coach Tiago Splitter Nears Chicago Bulls Job

Tiago Splitter, who coached Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers last season, is leaving Portland and is in advanced talks to become the Chicago Bulls' next head coach, replacing Billy Donovan.

Splitter, 41, took over Portland on an interim basis during the season and exceeded expectations. He led the Blazers to a 40-42 record and seventh place in the Western Conference, which secured a playoff berth. Over Portland's final 51 regular-season games, the team played defense that ranked in the NBA's top 10.

Splitter also earned strong backing in Portland's locker room, especially from Avdija. The Israeli forward had a breakout season under Splitter and became an All-Star for the first time in his career.

Chicago conducted an extensive search that included dozens of candidates before settling on Splitter as its preferred choice. He is regarded as a strong developer of young players and brings a seven-year NBA playing career, including a championship with the San Antonio Spurs. With Splitter set to depart, Portland and Avdija will now look for a new head coach. The two leading finalists are Micah Nori, an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Tyler Lashbrook, an assistant with the Boston Celtics.