Blazers Reportedly Seeking Cheap Head Coach Under New Ownership

Portland's incoming ownership group may prioritize cost-cutting in their head coaching search, according to reports.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene with overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the uncertainty surrounding the Blazers' coaching situation.The Blazers' coaching search under new ownership raises concerns about the franchise's commitment to building a competitive roster and coaching staff.Phoenix Today

The Portland Trail Blazers are facing uncertainty around their head coaching position, with interim coach Tiago Splitter filling in while Chauncey Billups remains the official head coach. However, reports suggest that the team's incoming ownership group led by Tom Dundon may prioritize cost-cutting when hiring the franchise's next head coach, potentially targeting candidates willing to accept a much lower salary than the current market rate.

Why it matters

The Blazers' coaching situation is a critical factor in the team's long-term trajectory, and the new ownership's approach to the head coaching search could have significant implications for the franchise's future. A focus on cost-cutting over finding the best available candidate could limit the team's ability to attract top coaching talent and hinder their chances of returning to the playoffs.

The details

According to a report from Bill Oram of The Oregonian, the incoming Blazers ownership group led by Tom Dundon may be willing to offer as little as $1 million per year for the team's next head coach, which is approximately a quarter of the current market rate. This could lead the team to target assistant coaches, former players, or college coaches who may be more willing to accept a lower salary.

  • The Blazers are currently preparing for a Play-In Tournament matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Tom Dundon

The leader of the incoming ownership group that is reportedly set to purchase the Portland Trail Blazers for $4.25 billion.

Tiago Splitter

The interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, who has been filling in while Chauncey Billups remains the official head coach.

Chauncey Billups

The current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, who is dealing with ongoing legal matters.

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What they’re saying

“Work any above-board job in Portland, Oregon, you're guaranteed to make a minimum wage of $16.30 an hour. That's regardless of whether you're washing cars or, you know, coaching the Trail Blazers. Good thing. Otherwise Tom Dundon might try to offer less.”

— Bill Oram, Reporter

“Depending on your perspective, the Blazers either do not have a head coach or they have two. Tiago Splitter has admirably filled in on an interim basis while Chauncey Billups dumps real estate, pays legal fees and makes occasional cameos in a Brooklyn courtroom.”

— Bill Oram, Reporter

“You see all the rumors, but I'm just trying to do my job.”

— Tiago Splitter, Interim Head Coach

What’s next

The Blazers' coaching situation will likely remain unresolved until after the team's Play-In Tournament matchup against the Suns. The outcome of that game and the ongoing coaching search could shape the franchise's trajectory heading into next season.

The takeaway

The Blazers' new ownership group's reported focus on cost-cutting in their head coaching search could limit the team's ability to attract top talent and hinder their chances of returning to the playoffs. This approach highlights the tension between financial considerations and the need to build a competitive roster and coaching staff.