Why the Bulls’ coaching hire fits where the franchise is going
There were bigger names on the market, but Splitter offers something different, aligning more with a longer-term vision than an immediate push.
Rather than opting for a big-name coach to chase short-term success, Chicago went in a different direction. There’s still plenty to learn about Splitter as a head coach, but his background suggests he could be a strong fit for where the Bulls are heading.
He played under Gregg Popovich on championship-level teams and spent time working on coaching staffs in Atlanta, Brooklyn and Houston. Now at 39 years old, he brings experience both from his playing days and as someone who has worked closely with younger players on NBA benches.
Splitter had stints as an assistant coach under Nate McMillan and Ime Udoka with the Hawks before joining Jacque Vaughn’s staff in Brooklyn during Udoka’s suspension. He then joined Udoka again with the Houston Rockets ahead of this past season. The familiarity across these situations highlights why he may be uniquely qualified for what the Bulls need.
There should not be short-term expectations for Tiago Splitter or this version of the Chicago Bulls
But when you look at how things have shifted within the organisation over time—reports about trading veterans like Alex Caruso or Demar DeRozan along with contract situations looming—it’s fair to say that even before hiring Splitter, Chicago was already trending toward something new.
Some of the biggest winners from this hire could be the younger players expected to shape Chicago’s future. Matas Buzelis stands out straight away. The former first-round pick remains one of the most intriguing long-term prospects on the roster, and Splitter’s background in development could prove valuable as the Bulls look to speed up his progress.
Josh Giddey is another player who might see gains from this change. Splitter’s offensive approach has often leaned towards quick decisions, ball movement, and creating advantages through smart team play rather than isolation-heavy schemes. This philosophy lines up well with Giddey’s strengths as a passer and organiser. It looks like Chicago is bringing in Splitter to help develop what their roster can become rather than just maximising its current setup.
Even with his impressive rise, there’s no guarantee that Splitter will succeed. His track record isn’t as long as many other NBA head coaches, and his success in Portland came in an interim role, not over a full season. Taking over a team midseason is one thing, but building a new culture from the ground up is something else entirely. The Bulls are trusting him to guide the team through a full organisational overhaul, which is no small task for someone stepping into their first permanent head coaching role.
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