The Chicago Bulls have found their next head coach.
According to ESPN and other outlets, the Bulls are finalizing a deal with Tiago Splitter to become the franchise’s new head coach, replacing Billy Donovan and ushering in a new chapter for a team seeking to return to relevance in the Eastern Conference.
For Splitter, the opportunity marks the culmination of a coaching journey that has quickly gained momentum around the league. After building a strong reputation as an assistant coach, Splitter stepped into the head coaching role in Portland and exceeded expectations, helping stabilize the franchise while earning praise for his leadership, player development, and basketball acumen.
Now, he’ll be tasked with bringing those same qualities to Chicago.
Why the Bulls Chose Splitter
According to Shams Charania, the Bulls’ decision was based on “his ability to lead the team’s player development, organizational alignment on the franchise’s direction and vision, and his leadership and knowledge base.”
Splitter comes from one of basketball’s most respected coaching trees, having spent years learning under Gregg Popovich during his playing career with the San Antonio Spurs. That experience has shaped a coaching philosophy centered on ball movement, defensive accountability, and player growth.
Chicago’s front office reportedly viewed Splitter as a coach capable of connecting with players while modernizing the team’s approach on both ends of the floor.
A Critical Offseason Ahead
Splitter inherits a roster facing significant questions.
The Bulls must determine the future direction of the franchise, including decisions regarding key veterans, potential trades, and how aggressively they want to pursue contention in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.
His ability to establish a culture and maximize the development of younger players could be among the most important factors in Chicago’s long-term success.
The Bottom Line
Hiring first-time head coaches always comes with risk, but the Bulls appear to be betting on upside.
Splitter impressed NBA decision-makers with his work in Portland and now gets the opportunity to prove he can lead one of the league’s most recognizable franchises.
For a Bulls organization searching for a new identity, Tiago Splitter represents a chance to start fresh.
