Tiago Splitter Credits Gregg Popovich as He Begins New Bulls Coaching Era

The Chicago Bulls are entering a new chapter after naming Tiago Splitter as the franchise’s head coach. Following an extensive search to replace Billy Donovan, the organization turned to the former NBA champion and rising coaching prospect, signing him to a three-year contract.

Splitter arrives in Chicago after a breakthrough season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Although he began the year as an assistant, unexpected circumstances thrust him into the lead role almost immediately. Faced with significant pressure and limited preparation time, he guided Portland to a playoff appearance and earned praise throughout the league.

The coaching opportunity represents a major milestone for Splitter, who spent more than a decade building his reputation after retiring as a player. While his success in Portland accelerated his rise, the foundation of his coaching philosophy was established years earlier during his time with the San Antonio Spurs.

Not surprisingly, much of that influence came from legendary coach Gregg Popovich. As Splitter prepares to lead one of the NBA’s most recognizable franchises, he continues to draw on the lessons he learned from one of basketball’s most respected mentors.

1. Learning From One of the NBA’s Greatest Coaches

Before becoming a coach, Splitter spent five seasons playing under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio. Those years coincided with one of the most successful periods in Spurs history and provided him with a firsthand look at elite leadership. According to Splitter, Popovich’s influence extended far beyond game strategy and basketball tactics. He described the longtime Spurs coach as a mentor who continues to offer guidance through conversations, messages, and advice even years after their professional relationship began. One lesson that stood out involved the way Popovich managed people. Throughout his career, Popovich became known for creating an environment where every player felt valued, regardless of role or status. Splitter believes that ability to connect with individuals remains one of the coach’s greatest strengths. The new Bulls coach has often spoken about the importance of relationships inside an organization. By observing how Popovich handled challenges, communicated with players, and navigated difficult situations, Splitter gained valuable insight into what it takes to lead an NBA team successfully.

2. A Rapid Rise Through the Coaching Ranks

Splitter’s appointment in Chicago is the latest step in a coaching journey that has progressed quickly in recent years. While many former players spend years working their way toward a head coaching opportunity, Splitter accelerated his development through a combination of preparation and opportunity. His biggest breakthrough came during the 2025-26 season with Portland. When circumstances forced him into the head coaching role shortly after the season began, questions naturally emerged about whether he was ready for the responsibility. Instead of being overwhelmed, Splitter embraced the challenge. Under his leadership, the Trail Blazers remained competitive throughout the season and ultimately secured a playoff berth as the seventh seed in a highly competitive Western Conference. That performance significantly enhanced his reputation around the league. Although Portland elected not to commit to him with a long-term contract, his ability to guide a team through adversity attracted attention from organizations searching for fresh leadership. Chicago ultimately became the franchise willing to make him its next head coach.

3. The Challenge of Restoring the Bulls

While earning the Bulls job is a major accomplishment, Splitter faces a difficult assignment. Chicago remains one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, but sustained success has been elusive for much of the past two decades. The organization continues to be measured against the standard established during the Michael Jordan era, when the Bulls became one of the most dominant dynasties in professional sports. Since then, championship contention has been rare, and playoff appearances have become increasingly difficult to secure. Recent seasons have reflected those struggles. The franchise has made only limited postseason appearances over the last decade, leaving fans eager for a return to relevance in the Eastern Conference. Rebuilding a winning culture while competing against deeper contenders will require patience and consistency. Fortunately for Chicago, Splitter arrives with a leadership approach rooted in one of the NBA’s most successful organizations. By combining the lessons he learned from Popovich with his own experiences as both a player and coach, he hopes to help guide the Bulls toward a more competitive future and eventually restore the franchise’s standing among the league’s elite teams.