Chicago Bulls name Tiago Splitter head coach

The Chicago Bulls have hired Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, the team announced on Monday, June 15, 2026. Splitter, who served as the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers last season, replaces Billy Donovan, who stepped down from his position in April.

The hiring concludes a search led by the Bulls' new executive vice president of basketball operations, Bryson Graham. According to reports, Graham and his staff met with four final candidates in Chicago last week before selecting Splitter. The decision was reportedly based on Splitter's leadership, his knowledge base, and his alignment with the organization's vision for player development and the franchise's direction.

Splitter, 41, guided the Trail Blazers to a 42-40 regular-season record and a playoff berth last season, the team's first since the 2020-21 campaign. Portland defeated the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament before being eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs. Prior to his time in Portland, Splitter had head coaching experience in France, leading Paris Basketball to a domestic cup and league title in the 2024-25 season. His NBA background includes seven seasons as a player,...