Splitter on Dundon reports: Portland coach stays focused amid coaching rumors in 2026 playoffs

Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter leads team to playoff run while owner Tom Dundon explores coaching replacements.

Interim coach stays professional Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter emphasized his commitment to professionalism amid ongoing discussions about a potential replacement. Speaking before Portland's 106-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, Splitter stated, 'Just trying to be a pro.' He explained his focus remains on the locker room, his staff, and basketball-related matters, a mindset he adopted when initially taking the role. Splitter acknowledged the surrounding circumstances during his appointment but chose to direct his energy toward the team's performance. ## Leadership after unexpected transition Tiago Splitter became Portland's interim head coach the morning after Chauncey Billups' arrest by federal authorities as part of a large-scale power scheme investigation with alleged mafia ties. Billups pleaded not guilty to money laundering and wire fraud charges, creating an abrupt leadership change. Despite the turmoil, Splitter guided the Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record, securing the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Under his direction, All-Star forward Deni Avdija emerged as a Most Improved Player finalist, showcasing the team's development during the season. ## Contract discussions and financial constraints Portland presented Splitter with a salary offer for the head coaching position that fell far below typical NBA head coach earnings. The proposed compensation of roughly $1 million annually aligns with owner Tom Dundon's goal to operate the franchise more efficiently, a strategy he previously applied to the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. During the season, Splitter received a raise from his assistant coaching salary, and talks about a longer-term contract began, though no agreement was finalized. Further negotiations were postponed until after the playoffs concluded. ## Cost-cutting measures in playoff run Recent cost-saving initiatives implemented by the franchise included not traveling two-way players with the team during the playoffs, a decision no other playoff team adopted. Additional reductions involved limiting complimentary tickets for playoff home games to support staff. These financial adjustments reflect Dundon's broader approach to running the organization with tighter budget control, prioritizing sustainability over expansive spending. ## Coach's advice to players ahead of playoffs Ahead of Portland's playoff preparations, Splitter addressed media speculation and social media noise during a team meeting at the start of the play-in tournament. He urged players to avoid distractions, stating, 'that it's not a time to be in your social media now and reading everything that is out there or even on TV.' Recalling advice from former coaches, Splitter acknowledged the challenge of ignoring external chatter but stressed the importance of concentrating solely on basketball. The team appeared to heed his guidance, securing a Game 2 upset to tie the series at 1-1.