The Chicago Bulls have officially named Tiago Splitter as the 25th head coach in franchise history. The move, announced earlier this week, marks an intriguing pivot for a team in transition following Billy Donovan’s departure in April.
The Backdrop: Change in Chicago
After six seasons under Billy Donovan, the Bulls parted ways with the veteran coach amid a front-office overhaul. New executive leadership, including Bryson Graham as the lead basketball operations figure, signaled a youth-focused rebuild. The search for Donovan’s replacement lasted nearly two months, with finalists including Micah Nori, Ryan Schmidt, Wes Unseld Jr., and ultimately Tiago Splitter.
The Bulls prioritized leadership, player development, and alignment with a younger roster featuring Matas Buzelis. Splitter, 41, emerged as the standout choice.
Who Is Tiago Splitter?
A native of Brazil, Splitter enjoyed a solid NBA playing career as a big man. Drafted 28th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2007, he contributed to their 2014 NBA Championship team alongside legends like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. He also played for the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers before an extensive international career.
Post-retirement, Splitter quickly transitioned to coaching. He served as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, spent a season as head coach of Paris Basketball (winning a French Cup and reaching EuroLeague playoffs), and joined the Portland Trail Blazers staff.
His big break came last season as Portland’s interim head coach. Thrust into the role early after Chauncey Billups’ unexpected departure, Splitter led a young Blazers team to a 42-40 record and the Western Conference’s No. 7 playoff seed — their first postseason appearance in years. That success highlighted his ability to develop talent and stabilize a roster under pressure.
Why This Hire Makes Sense for the Bulls
Bulls executives praised Splitter’s leadership, curiosity as a coach, competitiveness, and deep knowledge of player development. His experience under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio and work with young talents (like Alperen Şengün in Houston and rising stars in Portland) aligns perfectly with Chicago’s direction.
At 41, he’s a “fresh face” with modern ideas — not a retread. The Bulls have draft capital (including picks at No. 4 and 15 this year) and cap space, positioning them to build around athletic, developmental pieces. Splitter’s international background and player-friendly style could help foster a positive culture in a market hungry for excitement.
In his introductory remarks, Splitter promised the team would compete every night and set high standards. He has already begun connecting with key young players.
Looking Ahead
The 2026-27 season represents a pivotal year for the Bulls. With a new coach, new front-office vision, and incoming talent, expectations are tempered but hopeful. Splitter isn’t walking into a contender, but he has the tools and pedigree to take a step in the rebuild.