Chicago Bulls announce Tiago Splitter as new coach, marking an unprecedented feat for Brazilian basketball
The NBA’s Chicago Bulls team confirmed this Tuesday (16) the hiring of Brazilian Tiago Splitter for the position of head coach. The appointment represents a significant milestone in the history of professional basketball.
At 41 years old, the former center becomes the first professional in Brazil and throughout Latin America to take on a permanent coaching position with a team in the North American basketball league. This step consolidates his victorious trajectory, now on the edge of the court, after years of dedication as a player and on technical committees.
Splitter will serve as the 25th head coach in Bulls history. Before his arrival in Chicago, the Santa Catarina native had already demonstrated his potential by successfully leading the Portland Trail Blazers in a stint as interim coach in the last NBA season.
Bryson Graham, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Chicago Bulls, commented on the choice of the new commander, highlighting his qualifications. “Tiago has demonstrated remarkable basketball intellect, a unique ability to connect with and develop players, and the way his teams compete each night. He has achieved victories at every level of the sport, both as an athlete and as a coach, on several continents, and we are convinced that his vision is the best fit for our young squad,” said Graham.
Still 41 years old, Splitter started the 2025/26 season in charge of the Trail Blazers, where he achieved a remarkable performance. Under his management, the Portland team reached 7th place in the Western Conference, recording a record of 42 wins and 40 losses.
Before his experience as an interim in Portland, the Brazilian was part of the coaching staff of the same team as an assistant. His career includes a successful stint in the 2024/25 season with Paris Basketball, in France, where he won the French Championship and Basketball Cup titles, in addition to taking the club to the EuroLeague Playoffs.
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Splitter’s career as an assistant coach in the NBA also includes the Houston Rockets during the 2023/24 season and the Brooklyn Nets, where he worked from 2019 to 2023.
In addition to the clubs, Tiago Splitter also has experience as coach of the Brazilian men’s under-23 team, reinforcing his diverse experience.
As a player, the 7-foot center had a seven-year career in the NBA, with five seasons playing for the San Antonio Spurs (2010-15). He was selected with the 28th pick of the 2007 NBA Draft and became a key part of the Spurs team that won the championship in 2014, becoming the first Brazilian-born player to lift the NBA trophy.
