Bulls Hire Tiago Splitter to End Coaching Search

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By lines

June 15, 2026

Bulls Hire Tiago Splitter to End Coaching Search

The Chicago Bulls are hiring Tiago Splitter as their next head coach. ESPN reported the move Monday. Tiago Splitter arrives from Portland with one season of NBA head coaching experience.

Splitter Beats Out Three Finalists for the Chicago Job

Tiago Splitter replaces Billy Donovan, who left the Bulls in April after six seasons. Chicago fired executive Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after another disappointing season. Tiago Splitter beat out three other finalists for the job. Those finalists included Micah Nori, Ryan Schmidt, and Wes Unseld Jr.

Tiago Splitter went 42-39 as Portland’s interim head coach last season. That record delivered Portland its first play-in berth since 2020. Bulls executives picked Tiago Splitter for a player development focus, per ESPN. Chicago narrowed its coaching search to four names in June.

Tiago Splitter won an NBA championship as a San Antonio Spurs player in 2014. Tiago Splitter played alongside Tim Duncan on those San Antonio teams. Tiago Splitter then worked as an NBA assistant before the Portland interim role. The 2014 title gives Tiago Splitter championship experience to sell to players. Chicago hopes that resume speeds up a slow Bulls rebuild.

Tiago Splitter takes over a franchise that owns six NBA championships. Chicago won all six titles during the Michael Jordan era, from 1991 to 1998. The Bulls last reached the NBA Finals in 1998. Billy Donovan ran the bench for six seasons before this hire.

The Bulls compete in a loaded Eastern Conference for 2026 and beyond. New York just won the NBA title, raising the bar across the East. Boston and Cleveland also rank among the Eastern Conference’s title contenders. Tiago Splitter must close a wide talent gap with limited Bulls assets.

Tiago Splitter inherits a young Bulls roster searching for direction. Chicago must develop talent after firing Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley this offseason. The 2026 NBA Draft arrives next week, giving Tiago Splitter early input. Bulls fans want a faster rebuild than the Billy Donovan era delivered.

Tiago Splitter will shape the Bulls roster through the June draft and free agency. Chicago holds a 2026 first-round pick to add a young piece. Free agency opens in July, giving Tiago Splitter a second roster-building lever. Tiago Splitter must also decide which veterans fit his timeline. The Bulls open training camp this fall under Tiago Splitter.