The Chicago Bulls has reached an agreement with Tiago Splitter to become the franchise’s new head coach, ending an extensive search that included multiple finalists from around the league, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Splitter takes over following Billy Donovan’s departure and arrives in Chicago after an impressive season leading the Portland Trail Blazers. Originally elevated to the role on an interim basis, the 41-year-old guided Portland to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
The former NBA champion quickly earned praise throughout the league for the work he did under difficult circumstances. Portland finished the season with one of the NBA’s better defensive units, ranking among the league’s top ten defenses over its final 51 regular-season games while compiling a 30-21 record during that stretch.
The Trail Blazers also led the NBA in second-chance points per game under Splitter’s leadership.
Splitter became the first Portland head coach since Maurice Cheeks in the 2001-02 season to finish with a winning record in his first year with the franchise. He also became the first coach to win a playoff game in his debut season with the Trail Blazers since Mike Dunleavy in 1997-98.
Chicago’s front office conducted a wide-ranging search before narrowing its list of finalists. Alongside Splitter, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr. all advanced deep into the process.
Ultimately, the Bulls were reportedly drawn to Splitter’s player-development background, leadership qualities and ability to align with the organization’s long-term vision.
Before entering coaching, Splitter spent seven seasons in the NBA, winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs. Following his retirement, he worked in scouting and player development with the Brooklyn Nets before serving as an assistant under Ime Udoka with the Houston Rockets. He later spent a season coaching Paris Basketball before returning to the NBA in Portland.
READ MORE: Donald Trump Responds to Stephen A. Smith in Social Media Tirade