Tiago Splitter Leaves Portland Trail Blazers to Coach Chicago Bulls

Portland Trail Blazers acting head coach Tiago Splitter is making a move to Chicago to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

According to recent reports, Splitter will replace Billy Donovan, who coached the Bulls for six years before his departure.

Splitter's experience as the Blazers' acting head coach started after just one game, when former head coach Chauncey Billups was placed on immediate leave due to his alleged involvement in rigged poker games.

The Blazers had a successful season in 2026, going 42-40 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2021 under Splitter's leadership.

Splitter's coaching career includes his time as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, as well as leading the French professional team Paris Basketball.

The Portland Trail Blazers will now be looking for a new head coach, with candidates including Boston Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.