Tiago Splitter Advances to Final Stage of Chicago Bulls Head Coaching Search

Tiago Splitter, the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, has advanced to the finalist stage for the Chicago Bulls' vacant head coaching position, competing against three other candidates as the franchise searches for a successor to Billy Donovan. The Bulls organization has begun conducting in-person interviews this week after completing virtual meetings with prospective coaches, narrowing the field to four finalists: Splitter, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt, and Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr.

Competing Search Processes

The Bulls and Trail Blazers are simultaneously pursuing their respective head coaching vacancies, creating a situation where candidates are being evaluated by both franchises. Splitter and Nori are advancing through both searches, with the Blazers also considering Boston's Tyler Lashbrook as they seek a permanent successor to Chauncey Billups. The overlap reflects the limited pool of experienced coaching candidates available in the NBA market.

The Blazers' search timeline has been affected by ownership commitments outside basketball. New Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is also the proprietor of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, whose Stanley Cup Final run has consumed attention during the critical coaching evaluation period. This divided focus has lengthened Portland's decision-making process as the franchise works to finalize its coaching hire.

Impact on Other Candidates

The Bulls' decision to narrow their search to four finalists means that other candidates initially considered have been eliminated from contention. BYU men's basketball coach Kevin Young, who underwent interviews with the Bulls, did not advance to the finalist stage. Young's elimination from consideration means the Cougars retain their coach as they rebuild following the departures of multiple key players to the transfer portal and NBA Draft, including starters AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Keba Keita.