Chicago Bulls officially sign Tiago Splitter

Brazil will continue with a representative outside the NBA courts. After a successful stint as interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, Tiago Splitter has been announced as head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

The announcement was made official through the Bulls' social networks. The contract period was not disclosed.

"Throughout the process, Tiago stood out for his basketball intelligence, ability to connect with and develop players, and how his team competed every night. He was a winner at every level, as a player and coach, on different continents, and we believe he has the right fit for our new roster," said Bryson Graham, vice president of basketball operations.

The Brazilian arrived at Portland in June 2025 as an assistant coach and took over as coach of the Trail Blazers after former coach Chauncey Billups was detained by the FBI on suspicion of investing in betting. Even after 42 wins in 81 games as interim coach, the Portland team did not formalize Splitter's position.

"I want to thank the entire Chicago Bulls organization for the opportunity to lead this historic franchise. The Bulls represent everything I love about the game, carrying tradition, a passionate city and a young group of athletes who are 'hungry' and ready to grow. I am grateful for the trust this organization has placed in me and I can't wait to start working in Chicago," he said.

Coaching career
Splitter's coaching career began in 2019. He was an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets (2019-2023) and Houston Rockets (2023-2024) before taking over at Paris Basketball. On the French team, Splitter was champion of the French Cup and played in the Euroleague.

He returned to the NBA to be an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Brazilian took over as coach after former coach Chauncey Billups was detained by the FBI on suspicion of investing in betting. The Santa Catarina native's debut as interim coach was successful, with a 139-119 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Career as a player
Splitter began his career as a professional in 1999 in Blumenau, the city where he was born. The pivot spent eight years in Spanish basketball where he played for Saski Baskonia (2000-2010), as well as Araba Gorago (2001) and Bilbao Basket (2001-2003).

Tiago Splitter was Spanish champion three times, in addition to four Supercup titles. In the NBA, in addition to playing for the Spurs (2010-2013), he played for the Atlanta Hawks (2015-2016) and Philadelphia 76ers (2016-2017).

With the national team, he was champion of the Copa América in 2005 and 2009, in addition to winning the Pan American Games (2003) and the South American Games (2003).

Splitter played in the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups. The pivot was part of the squad that competed in the London Olympics (2012).

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Source: CNN