Splitter named Bulls coach after Portland interim stint in 2026

New Chicago Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter vows to restore winning culture in his first job, inspired by childhood admiration for Michael Jordan.

Bulls coach inspired by Jordan Tiago Splitter, the newly appointed head coach of the Chicago Bulls, shared that his passion for the franchise began in his childhood in Brazil. He described sneaking late-night viewings of Michael Jordan-led Bulls games, often hiding from his parents to watch. Splitter spoke about the honor of leading the team during his introduction on Wednesday afternoon, while admitting the work required to reclaim the championship-level success he remembers from Jordan’s era. ## Bulls organization eyes brighter future Splitter emphasized the Bulls have a promising path ahead, focusing on building a culture of excellence and daily improvement. He acknowledged the significant effort and patience needed to restore the team’s former glory, stressing his understanding of the responsibilities and expectations tied to the head coaching role. The Bulls’ new vice president of basketball operations, Bryson Graham, hired Splitter after a comprehensive coaching search that included four finalists. Graham highlighted their shared vision for organizational success and high standards. ## Chicago’s rebuilding vision takes shape Bryson Graham outlined the Bulls’ ambition to deliver a high-level product, regardless of current roster talent. He stressed the importance of establishing a strong identity and culture that the organization and its fans can be proud of. Graham and Splitter noted their aligned perspectives on basketball operations and overall organizational structure. The leadership team aims to set a clear benchmark for excellence moving forward. ## Splitter’s Portland interim success Splitter took over as interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers last season after Chauncey Billups was involved in a federal gambling investigation and pleaded not guilty. Despite early distractions, the Blazers finished with a winning record and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21. He recalled the challenge of keeping the team focused on basketball amid off-court noise during the season opener. ## Blazers’ locker room rallies behind Splitter Splitter earned the respect of the Portland locker room and guided forward Deni Avdija to his first All-Star selection. Though the Blazers performed well under his leadership and drew interest from other teams, Portland did not retain him as head coach. Splitter chose not to elaborate on the decision during Wednesday’s press conference, instead shifting his attention entirely to his new role with the Bulls. ## Splitter looks ahead to Bulls rebuild Splitter expressed his desire to leave the Portland situation behind and concentrate on rebuilding the Bulls, a franchise seeking its first playoff berth in four consecutive losing seasons. He guaranteed that the team would compete nightly while upholding high standards in all aspects. His approach includes setting smaller, achievable goals as stepping stones toward larger success. ## Draft picks fuel Bulls rebuild hopes The Bulls hold the fourth and fifteenth overall picks in the upcoming NBA draft, marking a potential turning point for their roster. Splitter’s arrival follows four straight losing seasons, mirroring the Blazers’ pre-Splitter struggles. The last Bulls coach to guide the team to the playoffs in his debut season was Tom Thibodeau in 2011, though Splitter avoided comparisons and focused on the present effort.