The Chicago Bulls are nearing an agreement to hire Tiago Splitter as their next head coach, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team has not yet made an official announcement.

Splitter, 41, has served as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers since October, when he was promoted from assistant coach following the arrest of former head coach Chauncey Billups. Billups faces federal charges related to wire fraud and money laundering connected to a wide-ranging gambling investigation and has entered a plea of not guilty.

Under Splitter’s leadership, Portland finished the regular season with a 42-40 record and advanced to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Splitter initially joined the Trail Blazers’ coaching staff in June 2025 as an assistant under Billups before assuming the interim role.

The Bulls’ pursuit of Splitter comes as the team looks to establish stability and direction after previous coaching changes. Details of the contract and official timing of the announcement have not been disclosed.