Bulls hire Tiago Splitter as new head coach

CHICAGO (WIFR) - The Chicago Bulls’ overhaul continues and the franchise now has its new head coach.

Just months after the team parted ways with its entire front office and longtime head coach Billy Donovan stepped down, Chicago is turning the page with a familiar NBA name: Tiago Splitter, most recently the Portland Trail Blazers’ interim head coach.

Splitter, a 2014 NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, moved into coaching in 2018 and has built experience at multiple levels of the league. Last season, he stepped into a difficult situation in Portland and still guided the Blazers to a 42–40 record and a playoff berth after Chauncey Billups was placed on immediate leave following his arrest.

Now, Splitter inherits a Bulls roster and front office positioned for a significant reset. Chicago reportedly has nearly $60 million in cap space and four selections in next week’s NBA Draft, including the No. 4 and No. 15 overall picks.

When the Billups situation unfolded in Portland, Splitter said he tried to view the challenge as an opportunity.

“Tough moment, but I’ve got to do my job… Looking forward to show my skills and lead a team,” Splitter said.