Portland Trail Blazers Likely to Pass on Tiago Splitter for Full-Time Head Coaching Job

Tiago Splitter will likely not be offered the full-time head coaching job for the Portland Trail Blazers, despite steering the team to a 42-39 record and their first playoff appearance in five years. Sources confirm that Portland is pursuing interviews with as many as 30 candidates for the position, with Splitter unlikely to be the final choice.

Splitter was elevated to interim head coach in October after the Portland Trail Blazers filed felony charges against Chauncey Billups following the season's opening game. Under his guidance, the team improved by 10 wins from the previous season and secured the 6th seed in the Western Conference playoffs. However, Portland is not expected to offer him the full-time position.

Sources indicate that the Blazers' new owner, Tom Dundon, is taking a broad approach to the search. Veteran coaches Tom Thibodeau and Michael Malone both rejected early outreach from Dundon, with sources stating both insisted they would not engage while Splitter remained interim.

Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel and Denver Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley are among the top candidates drawing interest. Hetzel, who spent three seasons with the Blazers and two with Damian Lillard, is also being considered for the New Orleans Pelicans head coaching vacancy. Portland is seen as a fallback option if he does not land that role.

Lillard, set to return to a prominent role with the organization, has submitted suggestions to the front office regarding the coaching search. His input could carry significant weight in the decision process.

Several NBA assistant coaches have already declined Portland's interview requests. Reports of below-market compensation for the head coaching role and Dundon's unconventional management style have contributed to the hesitancy among top-tier candidates.

The Blazers are expected to announce their final list of interviewed candidates by mid-December. A coaching decision is likely to be made before the end of the year, with the team entering the 2024 season with high expectations.

Portland will host the Sacramento Kings on December 15 in their next home game. The team will continue to play under interim coach Splitter until a permanent hire is made.