Chicago Bulls Finalize Hire of Tiago Splitter as Head Coach to Lead Rebuild
The Chicago Bulls have reportedly reached an agreement to name Tiago Splitter as their next head coach following the resignation of Billy Donovan. Splitter inherits a franchise looking to snap a four-year postseason drought after a dismal 31-51 finish.
A New Chapter in Chicago The Chicago Bulls have found the man they hope will lead the franchise back to relevance in the Eastern Conference. On Monday, June 15, sources confirmed that the organization is finalizing a deal with Tiago Splitter to become the team’s next head coach. Splitter, a former NBA center and 2014 champion with the San Antonio Spurs, transitions to the Windy City after a successful stint abroad where he coached the Paris Basketball Club to a French Cup title during the 2024-25 season.Splitter replaces Billy Donovan, who resigned earlier this spring after six seasons with the club. The decision to hire Splitter marks a bold shift toward a more international and modern coaching philosophy for a Bulls front office that has undergone significant restructuring over the past month under new leadership.
Rebuilding the League's 28th-Ranked Defense.The task awaiting Splitter is nothing short of a massive overhaul. The Bulls are coming off a frustrating 31-51 campaign, a season defined by defensive inconsistencies and lack of cohesion. Chicago allowed a staggering 121.5 points per game last season, ranking them 28th overall in the NBA. With the team missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, Splitter’s primary objective will be instilling the defensive discipline he became known for during his playing days under Gregg Popovich.League insiders suggest that Splitter's ability to bridge the gap between veteran players and a developing young core was the deciding factor for Chicago. "Splitter brings a championship pedigree and a proven track record of tactical success in Europe," a league source noted on Monday. "He understands the grind of an NBA season but isn't afraid to implement the creative offensive sets that have become the hallmark of the international game. The Bulls are expected to officially introduce Splitter at a press conference later this week. As the franchise prepares for a critical off-season and the upcoming NBA Draft, fans in the Windy City are hopeful that this hire marks the end of the mediocrity that has defined the post-Donovan era.