The Chicago Bulls introduced Tiago Splitter as their new head coach on June 17, 2026. Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham stood beside Splitter at the Advocate Center while the former NBA player held up a Bulls jersey bearing his name. The ceremony marked a swift transition from Splitter’s brief stint as an assistant in Houston to the top job in Chicago.

Splitter, a 41-year-old 6-11 Brazilian, spent his playing career as a championship center with the San Antonio Spurs. He returned to the NBA in the 2023-24 season as an assistant coach on the Houston Rockets staff under Ime Udoka. Although his time on the Rockets bench was limited, the experience gave him insight into the league’s evolving pace and spacing, a perspective he hopes to bring to the Bulls’ locker room.

After his season in Houston, Splitter accepted a head-coaching position in France’s top league. He led the Paris team to a league championship, a success he says was driven by a desire to silence the “foreign, big-guy” label that often follows former NBA players who turn to coaching. "I don’t like to put labels on people," he told reporters, adding that he "hate[s] when they put it on me" and that he wants to "prove people wrong."

Chicago’s roster features a mix of wing scorers and interior depth that has struggled with consistency. Splitter’s background as a big man who understands post fundamentals and modern spacing could allow him to blend high-pick-and-roll actions with stretch-big concepts. His comments about proving doubters wrong suggest a willingness to experiment with positionless lineups, using the mobility of the Bulls’ guards while keeping a strong presence at the elbow.

Portland’s relationship with Splitter was brief. He served as interim head coach of the Trail Blazers for a single game at the start of the 2025-26 season before the organization moved on. That short tenure, coupled with his subsequent success in Paris, may add a personal edge to his rivalry with the Blazers and fuel his motivation in Chicago.

Looking ahead, Splitter’s first tests will come in the summer league and preseason, where he must install his system and earn the trust of veterans and rookies alike. Early-season defensive metrics and the development of the Bulls’ interior play will serve as indicators of whether the gamble on Splitter pays off or becomes another cautionary tale for the franchise.