A New Dawn in the Windy City
The Chicago Bulls have officially turned the page, signaling a fresh start with the hiring of former Portland Trail Blazers interim coach, Tiago Splitter, as their new head coach. This move comes after the departure of Billy Donovan, who stepped down in April 2026, and marks a significant shift in the team’s leadership and philosophy. The decision to bring in Splitter is the latest in a series of sweeping changes for the Bulls, who are looking to rebuild and re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the NBA.
The Donovan Era Concludes
Billy Donovan’s tenure with the Bulls, which began in 2020, came to an end after six seasons. While the team showed flashes of potential under his guidance, they ultimately struggled to find consistent success. Donovan’s time in Chicago concluded with a regular-season record of 226-256. The team made the playoffs just once during his six years at the helm. Donovan opted to step away from the organization following extensive discussions with ownership about the franchise’s future direction, allowing for a complete refresh of the basketball operations department.
| Season | Wins | Losses | Win % | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 31 | 41 | .431 | Did not qualify |
| 2021-22 | 46 | 36 | .561 | Lost in First Round |
| 2022-23 | 40 | 42 | .488 | Did not qualify |
| 2023-24 | 39 | 43 | .476 | Did not qualify |
| 2024-25 | 39 | 43 | .476 | Did not qualify |
| 2025-26 | 31 | 51 | .378 | Did not qualify |
A Front Office Overhaul
The winds of change began blowing through the Bulls organization even before Donovan’s departure. In a decisive move, the team fired Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley in April 2026. This front office shake-up was a clear indication that ownership was dissatisfied with the team’s trajectory. The new-look front office is now led by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham, who is joined by Acie Law IV as Vice President of Player Personnel and Stephen Mervis as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations. This new leadership group is tasked with sculpting a roster that can bring playoff basketball back to the United Center on a consistent basis.
Who is Tiago Splitter?
Tiago Splitter, a 41-year-old from Brazil, brings a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a part of the San Antonio Spurs team that won the NBA championship in 2014. His coaching career has seen him on the sidelines for the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets as an assistant, and most recently as the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. He took over the Trail Blazers under challenging circumstances and led them to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance, their first since the 2020-21 season.
Splitter’s Coaching Philosophy
Those familiar with Tiago Splitter’s coaching style describe it as a supportive and player-centric approach that values a fast-paced offense. He is known for his calm demeanor, preferring to build players up rather than tear them down. His offensive schemes are influenced by his time with Gregg Popovich and the Spurs, emphasizing quick decision-making and creating opportunities in the flow of the game. Expect the Bulls to play with a renewed energy and a focus on pushing the tempo under Splitter’s guidance. He believes in empowering his players, a trait that could be beneficial for a team in the midst of a rebuild.
What This Means for the Bulls
The hiring of Tiago Splitter is a clear statement from the Bulls’ new front office. They are investing in a young, up-and-coming coach with a fresh perspective and a proven ability to develop talent. This move, coupled with the front office overhaul, signals a commitment to a long-term vision for the franchise. The road ahead may have its bumps, but for the first time in a while, there is a palpable sense of a new direction and renewed hope for the future of the Chicago Bulls. Fans will be eager to see how Tiago Splitter molds this team and what the future holds for this storied franchise.
