The Portland Trail Blazers’ search for a permanent head coach continues to expand, with two new interviews adding further depth to an already extensive evaluation process. According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the franchise has interviewed Jared Dudley and Ben Sullivan as part of its review of nearly 20 candidates for the position.
The process is being led by team governor Tom Dundon and general manager Joe Cronin, as the organization weighs its long-term direction following a season that ended with a playoff return but a first-round exit.
Dudley, currently a lead assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, brings significant NBA experience as both a former player and coach. He previously served as an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks and played 14 seasons across multiple teams, including the Lakers, Suns, and Bucks. His coaching reputation is built on veteran leadership and postseason insight, further honed within Denver’s structured system.
Sources: The Trail Blazers interviewed Jared Dudley for their head coaching position. Dudley is the lead assistant coach for the Nuggets. He was also an assistant coach for the Mavericks. He spent 14 NBA seasons with the Bobcats, Suns, Clippers, Bucks, Wizards, Nets, and Lakers.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 8, 2026
Sullivan, meanwhile, joins the candidate list from the Houston Rockets staff, where he has worked under Ime Udoka. His resume also includes roles alongside Joe Mazzulla and Mike Budenholzer, providing exposure to multiple modern NBA systems. A former player at the University of Portland, Sullivan’s local ties add an interesting dimension to his candidacy.
Sources: The Blazers interviewed Rockets assistant Ben Sullivan for their head coaching job. He interviewed for the Suns last summer. He’s been an assistant for Ime Udoka (Rockets/Celtics), Joe Mazzulla and Mike Budenholzer (Bucks/Hawks). He played for the University of Portland.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 8, 2026
While interviews continue, interim coach Tiago Splitter remains part of the evaluation process after guiding Portland to a 42–39 record and a playoff berth. Despite that success, league reporting suggests the franchise is unlikely to remove his interim tag.
Splitter led the Blazers into the postseason, where they were eliminated in five games by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round. That series highlighted both the team’s competitiveness and the gaps against a top-tier opponent.
The playoff appearance was Portland’s first in five years, driven by a core featuring Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Jrue Holiday, and Donovan Clingan. The group showed flashes throughout the season, with Avdija emerging as a primary offensive option and Sharpe providing perimeter scoring bursts.
The Blazers’ decision-makers are also operating under early speculation about the cost structure for the next head coach, though reports suggesting a strict salary cap have been publicly denied. Around the league, head coaching salaries are generally believed to start above $2 million.
Despite uncertainty around timing, sources say the search has not been rushed. With a large candidate pool still under review, Portland’s final decision will likely depend on balancing the development of its young core with immediate competitiveness in a tightly packed Western Conference.
