Portland, OR — Interim coach Tiago Splitter remains firmly in the running for the Trail Blazers’ permanent head-coaching position, according to a report from Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Stein wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the Brazilian coach has advanced to the final stage of Portland’s search, reversing earlier expectations that the club would move on after the season.
Splitter, 41, took charge after Chauncey Billups was arrested in connection with a federal investigation into illegal gambling operations just one game into the 2025-26 campaign. Guiding a short-handed roster, he led the Blazers to a 42-40 finish, their best record and first playoff appearance since 2020-21.
Portland’s success came despite the year-long absence of star guard Damian Lillard and the loss of rookie point guard Scoot Henderson for the first 52 contests. The team relied on a defense-first approach centered on first-time All-Star Deni Avdija, whose rim pressure and playmaking anchored the offense.
The Chicago Bulls have reportedly shown interest in interviewing Splitter for their own vacancy, but league sources expect Portland to withhold permission while its search continues.
The Blazers have also asked the Los Angeles Clippers for permission to speak with Jeff Van Gundy, who is viewed as another finalist for the job.
Source: Hoops Rumors
