US Trending News: Who Is the Current Trail Blazers Head Coach? 2024 Update

The Portland Trail Blazers have been in the spotlight not just for their basketball performance, but also for a major upheaval in their coaching staff. The team’s head coach, Chauncey Billups, was recently arrested as part of an FBI investigation into illegal gambling, leading to a dramatic shift in leadership. As a result, assistant coach Tiago Splitter has been named the interim head coach. This article explores who Tiago Splitter is, his background, and what this means for the Trail Blazers.

Who Is Tiago Splitter?

Tiago Splitter is a former NBA player and now serves as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. Before taking on this role, he had a successful career both as a player and a coach. Splitter played for several NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, where he was a key member of the 2014 championship-winning squad. He averaged 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game during his time with the Spurs.

After retiring from playing, Splitter transitioned into coaching. He spent five years with the Brooklyn Nets, starting as a scout and eventually becoming a player development coach. In 2023, he left the Nets to join the Houston Rockets as an assistant coach. Following that, he took a one-year break to coach Paris Basketball in France, where he led the team to a French Basketball Cup championship and a strong performance in the EuroLeague.

Why Was Tiago Splitter Chosen as Interim Head Coach?

When Chauncey Billups was arrested for his involvement in an illegal gambling operation, the Trail Blazers needed to act quickly to ensure continuity. While the team considered other options, including lead assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren, they ultimately decided to promote Splitter. Bjorkgren chose to remain in his current position, believing it would be better for the team.

Splitter’s experience as a coach, combined with his familiarity with the team, made him a logical choice. He had already joined the Blazers’ coaching staff in June, working alongside assistants Patrick St. Andrews and Quinton Crawford. His appointment as interim head coach came just days after the team opened its 2025–26 season against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

What Happened to Chauncey Billups?

Chauncey Billups, the previous head coach of the Trail Blazers, was arrested by the FBI as part of a federal investigation into illegal gambling. According to reports, Billups is accused of participating in rigged poker games held in Manhattan, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons. Agents allege that these games were organized by prominent New York mafia families.

Billups was placed on “immediate leave” by the NBA following his arrest. He is expected to make his first court appearance in Portland at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. His arrest came just hours after the Blazers began their 2025–26 season at the Moda Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

How Has the Team Responded?

The news of Billups’ arrest sent shockwaves through the Trail Blazers organization. The mood in the team’s facility was reportedly “not good,” according to Splitter, who emphasized that he is focused on moving forward. Despite the uncertainty, the team has remained committed to its goals.

In his first game as interim head coach, Splitter led the Trail Blazers to a 139-119 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The win marked a positive start to the season under new leadership and showed that the team is still capable of competing at a high level.

What’s Next for the Trail Blazers?

With Splitter at the helm, the Trail Blazers are looking to rebuild and regain their footing. The team finished the 2024-2025 season with a 36-46 record, tying for 11th in the Western Conference. Under Billups, the team never finished above .500 in any season, which raises questions about the direction of the franchise.

However, the addition of a new coaching staff, including Splitter, St. Andrews, and Crawford, signals a fresh start. These coaches bring a wealth of experience and a track record of success, particularly in helping teams reach the playoffs and win championships.

Conclusion

The Portland Trail Blazers are currently navigating a period of uncertainty following the arrest of their head coach, Chauncey Billups. In his place, Tiago Splitter has stepped up as the interim head coach, bringing with him a rich background in both playing and coaching. While the future remains unclear, the team is determined to move forward and rebuild under new leadership.

As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how Splitter and the rest of the coaching staff shape the direction of the Trail Blazers. With a new bench and a renewed focus, the team has the potential to turn things around and compete for a playoff spot in the coming years.

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Meta Title: US Trending News: Who Is the Trail Blazers Head Coach?

Meta Description: Discover who is the current Trail Blazers head coach and what this means for the team. Stay updated with the latest news.

Author: Alex Johnson

Title/Role: Sports Analyst and Journalist

Credentials: With over a decade of experience covering NBA news, Alex has provided in-depth analysis on team dynamics, player performances, and coaching changes across the league.

Profile Link: LinkedIn Profile

Sources:

1. ESPN – Trail Blazers Coaching Changes

2. KGW – Trail Blazers Head Coach Arrest

3. NBA Official Website – Coaching Staff Updates

Internal Links:

– Trail Blazers 2025 Season Preview

– NBA Gambling Scandal Explained

– Top US News: Latest NBA Updates

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Featured Snippet (40-60 words):

The current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers is Tiago Splitter, who was appointed as interim head coach following the arrest of Chauncey Billups. Splitter brings a wealth of experience as a former NBA player and coach, having previously worked with the Brooklyn Nets and Paris Basketball. His first game as interim coach resulted in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

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