Tiago Splitter takes over as Bulls
coach and promises team will compete every night
[June 18, 2026]
By JAY COHEN
CHICAGO (AP) — Growing up in Brazil, Tiago Splitter used to watch
Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the middle of the night.
“Hidden from my parents and at 1 a.m., watching M.J. games and
rooting for the Bulls,” Splitter said with a wry grin.
That was the most successful period in franchise history. Now the
Bulls are hoping to start another winning era with Splitter on the
sideline.
The 41-year-old Splitter was formally introduced on Wednesday as the
25th coach in franchise history. He brings a wealth of experience
that includes seven years in the NBA as a player and a challenging
season as the interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
The addition of Splitter is the team's most significant move since
Bryson Graham took over as executive vice president of basketball
operations on May 4. The 6-foot-11 Splitter emerged from a crowded
field of candidates that reportedly included Minnesota Timberwolves
assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and Wes
Unseld Jr., who was on Chicago's coaching staff last season.
While describing why Splitter was the choice, Graham praised the
coach's competitiveness and his ability to connect with players.
“We are at the ground floor,” Graham said. “And so when you have
someone that has a vision that aligns with yours, that knows how you
want to play, and how to build a program, we just, I mean, we
couldn’t be more excited.”
Splitter joined Chauncey Billups’ staff in Portland last June. He
was elevated from assistant to interim coach when Billups was
arrested in October in a federal takedown of a sprawling gambling
operation. Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud
and money laundering.
Splitter coached Portland to a 42-40 record and a five-game loss to
San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs. It was the first
playoff appearance and first time the Trail Blazers finished with a
winning record since the 2020-21 season.
“It wasn’t an easy situation,” Splitter said. “I think, you know, as
the season went to the finish, to the end, we almost forgot about it
and that was the great thing. ... That was most important thing for
me, just like leaving the outside noise out of the picture and
focusing on basketball and by the end, you’re having like a clear
goal and finish the way we finished.”
Splitter declined to discuss his departure from Portland.
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Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter talks while Bryson Graham, the
executive vice president of basketball operations, listens on
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jordan Cohen)
“I think there’s too many things being said already
and I think that’s enough,” he said. “I’m past that and I want to
think about the Chicago Bulls.”
Splitter spent time with San Antonio, Atlanta and Philadelphia
during his playing career. He was selected by the Spurs in the first
round of the 2007 draft, and he helped the team win an NBA title in
2014.
He worked for Brooklyn for five seasons from 2018-23, first as a pro
scout and then as an assistant coach. He was an assistant for
Houston for one year before coaching Paris Basketball Club to a
French Cup championship during the 2024-25 season.
That experience — both playing and coaching — was an appealing
attribute, Graham said.
“He’s got a phenomenal story,” he said.
Splitter is replacing Billy Donovan, who resigned after six seasons.
The Bulls had conversations with Donovan about returning, but he
decided to step aside rather than work with a new front office.
Chicago allowed 121.5 points per game this season, ranking 28th
overall in the NBA. It finished with a 31-51 record while missing
the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
The Bulls pick No. 4 and No. 15 in next week's draft, and they also
have plenty of salary-cap space going into free agency. But Splitter
offered a diplomatic answer when asked about expectations for next
season.
“I can guarantee you one thing: We’re going to compete every night,”
he said. “And we’re going to have high standards with everything
that we do.”
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