The Chicago Bulls are hiring Tiago Splitter as their next head coach, according to ESPN. Splitter replaces Billy Donovan, who stepped down after the season. The move comes as the team seeks a fresh start following a disappointing campaign.
Splitter spent last season as interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. He guided the team to a 42-39 record and its first playoff berth since 2021 before a first-round exit.
The Bulls also overhauled their front office after another poor season. They hold the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in next week's draft.
Other finalists for the position included Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr. Splitter previously worked in player development roles with the Nets and Rockets.
Chicago has faced challenges developing recent draft selections, including Patrick Williams and Dalen Terry. The team traded guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu at the February deadline.
