Brazilian Tiago Splitter is close to closing a deal to take over as coach of the Chicago Bulls, ESPN reported on Monday (15).
Splitter, who last season managed the Portland Trail Blazers on an interim basis, would be the first Latin American-born coach to take over an NBA team permanently.
The Brazilian could replace Billy Donovan, who took over the role since 2020 and was fired in April after leading the Bulls to the playoffs once during his tenure.
Chicago’s new board “conducted an exhaustive search that encompassed more than ten candidates,” ESPN said.
“Splitter was chosen for his ability to lead the development of the team’s players, organizational alignment with the board and the vision of the franchise, in addition to his leadership and knowledge as a coach who has been evolving since 2018,” added the broadcaster.
The 41-year-old Brazilian took over the Blazers on an interim basis in October, following the sudden departure of Chauncey Billups.
In the midst of a betting scandal, Billups was singled out by the FBI for participating in a poker game manipulation scheme and for leaking information about his team to bettors.
Under Splitter’s command, Portland had a record of 42 wins and 40 losses and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, being eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
Tiago Splitter also has seven years of experience as an NBA player, having won a title with the Spurs in 2014.
