Blazers rumors: Tiago Splitter among 3 head coaching finalists as 2 get crossed off list

The Portland Trail Blazers have narrowed their head coaching search to three finalists, with interim coach Tiago Splitter remaining in contention despite months of uncertainty surrounding his future.

According to the latest report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, three candidates remain under consideration for Portland’s full-time head coaching position.

“We wrote last week above about Portland advancing to a finalist stage, but sources say that the process has been slowed to a degree by the Carolina Hurricanes’ trip to the Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes, as you’ve surely heard, now share an owner with the Trail Blazers in Tom Dundon and are playing the Las Vegas Golden Knights for NHL supremacy.

Sources tell The Stein Line that three of the five finalists we identified last week remain under consideration for the full-time post in Portland: Minnesota’s Nori, Boston’s Tyler Lashbrook and Blazers acting coach Tiago Splitter.

The other finalists who, according to sources, did not advance: The Clippers’ Van Gundy and Utah’s Mike Williams.”

The development comes after a lengthy coaching search that has involved candidates from across the NBA and college basketball ranks. Portland also interviewed Denver Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley, Houston Rockets assistant Ben Sullivan and several other candidates as the organization explored a wide range of options.

Splitter’s inclusion among the final three candidates is significant given the uncertainty that emerged after Portland’s season ended. According to reporting from ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, tensions developed between Splitter and the organization after discussions on a new contract reportedly fell below expectations.

Tiago Splitter remains in contention despite Bulls interest, Blazers ownership questions

Splitter guided Portland to a 42-40 record after taking over for former head coach Chauncey Billups at the start of the 2025-26 season. Under his leadership, the Blazers earned the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference before being eliminated in five games by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

Siegel previously reported that several people around the league believed Splitter had done enough to secure the position permanently, particularly given the support he received from players in Portland’s locker room. However, questions surrounding new owner Tom Dundon and the organization’s cost-conscious approach have kept the situation unresolved.

Meanwhile, Splitter’s name has also surfaced in another coaching search. Siegel reported earlier in his latest intel that Splitter is among the candidates being considered by the Chicago Bulls alongside assistants from the Spurs, Heat and Thunder organizations.

With only three finalists remaining, Portland’s search appears to be entering its final stages. Whether the organization ultimately chooses Splitter, Micah Nori or Tyler Lashbrook could help define the next chapter of the franchise following one of its most surprising seasons in recent years.

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