New NBA Rumors on Blazers' Lengthy Candidates List for HC Search, Timeline for Potential Hire

The Portland Trail Blazers reportedly will leave no stone unturned in their search for a new head coach this offseason.

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Blazers "have cast a net so wide that the list of candidates could be almost 20 coaches long and, in the end, will consist of names procured by both [team owner Tom] Dundon and general manager Joe Cronin." League sources told Amick that there is "no clear messaging as of yet about a possible timeline on the hiring."

Acting head coach Tiago Splitter led the Blazers to a 42-40 record and their first playoff appearance since 2021, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the first round. Splitter told reporters during his exit interviews last week that he plans to meet with Dundon and Cronin this offseason, and he hopes to retain his position.

"We're gonna talk, I don't know when," Splitter said. "Of course, I told you guys I want to stay. But we got to talk through some things and figure it out, honestly."

Still, Portland will evaluate its options. Cronin told reporters that Splitter is "a candidate" for the job, but he made it clear that the Blazers won't rush their search.

"We decided early on we were going to cast a wide net and get to know a lot of different coaches and analyze and evaluate them in relation to Tiago," Cronin said. "Timeline-wise, we don't have a timeline pinned down, we just want to keep meeting people and keep talking to people and having a really thorough process."

Multiple Blazers players spoke highly of Splitter, including star point guard Damian Lillard. However, it's apparent that Portland is committed to a meticulous search for its next full-time head coach.