Interim Head Coach Tiago Splitter remains in charge of the Portland Trail Blazers locker room as of May, 2026, at least in name. The Blazers have neither moved on from Splitter nor formally announced prospective candidates to replace him. Portland’s coaching situation remains foggy as of this juncture, with Magic 8-Balls providing as much information as anyone in the know.
The NBA is not standing still in this limbo, however. In his latest Substack [subscription required], NBA Writer Jake Fischer
says he’s been told that the Chicago Bulls are interested in interviewing Splitter for their vacant head-coaching position.
Fischer says:
I’ve also been advised that Chicago is likely to formally request to interview Tiago Splitter, who is still under contract with Portland for next season even as the Trail Blazers actively speak to external candidates about their coaching job. Splitter went 42-39 as Portland’s interim coach this season and steered the team to its first playoff berth in five years after Chauncey Billups was placed on indefinite leave due to a federal gambling probe just one game into the season.
Would Portland grant permission for Splitter to be interviewed if Chicago indeed asks?
It’s unclear at this juncture. After initial pessimism regarding Splitter’s chances of becoming Billups’ full-time replacement, there were whispers circulating Monday that it can no longer be ruled out.
Beyond Splitter’s Year 1 success, he commanded real respect from various counterparts on opposing coaching staffs for how he handled such a challenging season. It is thus believed that he remains a candidate for the full-time post on some level along with various assistant coaches we’ve reported on…
On an informal, analytical note, if this were a romantic relationship, 99 out of 100 people would advise Splitter to think twice. The Blazers want him maybe, but maybe not. They want to keep their options open. And he’s valued across the league because he did a good job under trying circumstances, not just because he did a good job outright. Find someone who loves you for you, Tiago, and is willing to sell out for the privilege.
