Despite a very successful season, Splitter may not be back.
Despite being put in a difficult situation early in the season, Tiago Splitter did a strong job after taking over as the Portland Trail Blazers’ interim head coach following Chauncey Billups’ departure.
Splitter helped guide Portland to a 42-win season and the No. 7 seed in a tough Western Conference, giving the Blazers some real stability during a season that could have easily gone sideways. Still, it appears he may not be back next season on a more permanent basis.
According to reporting from Jake Fischer, Splitter is unlikely to land the Blazers’ full-time head coaching position, with Portland expected to interview potentially up to 30 different candidates this offseason as the franchise searches for the right fit.
What makes this situation especially interesting is the context around new majority owner Tom Dundon, who has reportedly been looking to fill the role at a cheaper number, likely below the going market rate for an NBA head coach, and Splitter has already been lowballed.
Because of that, there’s a sense this may not be entirely Portland’s decision. Splitter may also have his own reasons for not wanting to return under those circumstances. So whether he lands a head job elsewhere, or goes back to being a lead assistant, there’s no question that Splitter improved his status around the league in the coaching ranks.
Either way, as Portland’s offseason continues to unfold, figuring out who the next head coach will be is quickly becoming one of the biggest storylines of the summer.