Within just hours of Chauncey Billups’ arrest, the Portland Trail Blazers have already revealed their plan for an interim head coach to take over his position immediately. Having completed just one game in the ongoing 2025-2026 NBA season, the Blazers’ fanbase was caught off guard by the news of Billups’ arrest.
An investigation revealed that he was associated with an illegal poker operation associated with the mafia, and his role with the team was immediately suspended. Since the Blazers still have a chance to stay in contention early in the season, fans must be eager to know who will be taking charge of the team in Billups’ absence.
Who Will Be the Interim Head Coach for the Portland Trail Blazers?
Veteran fans will remember Tiago Splitter, a former player best known for his time with the San Antonio Spurs. Although he averaged a decent 7.9 points and five rebounds throughout his seven-year career, he is remembered for recieving an impressive block by LeBron James during his time with the Heat.
Splitter remained involved with league activities after retiring and began as a scout for the Brooklyn Nets. He was soon given an opportunity as an assistant head coach for the Houston Rockets under Ime Udoka and held the same position with the Blazers until this point.
NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Splitter will be taking over as the Blazers’ interim head coach. Since the investigation against Billups is still underway, it is impossible to know for certain if he will be returning to lead the team anytime soon.
“Portland Trail Blazers assistant Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching position in the interim in place of Chauncey Billups, sources tell ESPN. Nate Bjorkgren was strongly considered by Portland but decided it was best for the franchise for him to maintain his current role,” Charania wrote on X.
Portland Trail Blazers assistant Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching position in the interim in place of Chauncey Billups, sources tell ESPN. Nate Bjorkgren was strongly considered by Portland but decided it was best for the franchise for him to maintain his current role. pic.twitter.com/bUIzHK9XED
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2025
In their first game of the 2025-2026 season, the Blazers lost to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves with a final score of 118-114, an expected outcome given that the Timberwolves are coming off a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
However, the Blazers lost by just four points, making it a fairly competitive game. Their core, led by Shaedon Sharpe, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, and Jerami Grant, certainly has a chance to make its impact felt in the West.
It will now fall upon Splitter to lead the Blazers. Their upcoming games against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers will reveal if they have any chance to contend for a spot in the playoffs this season. Fans are left wondering what Splitter will be able to accomplish with the stars on his roster.
