Overview
- Reporting on Thursday shows the Trail Blazers have reduced their long coaching search to three finalists: Micah Nori, Tyler Lashbrook and interim coach Tiago Splitter.
- Tiago Splitter remains in contention after taking over early in the season and guiding Portland to a 42‑40 record and the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2021.
- Two previously reported finalists, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Williams, did not advance to the final round of consideration.
- Owners and process factors are shaping the search because Dundon owns the Carolina Hurricanes and his team’s run to the Stanley Cup Final has slowed interviews and complicated timing.
- The hire will affect the Blazers’ staff, how they develop young players such as Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija, and could be decided soon once Dundon’s NHL duties allow interviews to resume.