Brazilian head coach takes over the Bulls, becoming the first Brazilian in history to start an NBA season as
head coach.
The Chicago Bulls have announced the hiring of former Brazilian center Tiago Splitter, an NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. Splitter, who served as interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers last season following the arrest of head coach Chauncey Billups, arrives to replace Billy Donovan at the historic NBA franchise, which had struggled in recent years. Last season, the Brazilian led Portland to a 42-40 record and a playoff berth, though the team was unfortunately eliminated in the first round by the Spurs.
“The Bulls represent everything I love about this sport: a proud tradition, a passionate city, and a young, ambitious group of players ready to grow. I am grateful for the trust this organization has placed in me, and I can’t wait to get to work in Chicago,” said Tiago Splitter.
Before taking over the Portland Trail Blazers, Splitter served as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets during the 2023, 2024 season and spent five seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, working as an assistant coach from 2019 to 2023 and as a scout.
