Nori leads Blazers
Trail Blazers appoint Micah Nori as new head coach, citing communication and defensive prowess
Key Points
During the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2024 playoff run, Micah Nori stepped up to handle many of the mobile, in-game coaching duties while head coach Chris Finch was sidelined by a knee injury.
The Trail Blazers conducted a thorough search of more than a dozen coaching interviews, with finalists including Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook and Tiago Splitter before ultimately selecting Nori.
Contract details regarding Nori’s deal varied in reports: ESPN’s Shams Charania described a multiyear arrangement, while The Athletic’s Jason Quick reported a one-year deal with team options for the following two seasons.
Nori brings a wide-ranging NBA background across multiple franchises (Raptors, Kings, Nuggets, Pistons, Timberwolves) and previously contributed to the Nuggets' development pipeline, including coaching a Summer League team that featured Nikola Jokic.
The Portland Trail Blazers have hired Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori as their next head coach, according to ESPN and The Athletic. Nori, who spent 17 years as an NBA assistant, gets his first head coaching job after a search that included more than a dozen interviews.
Nori replaces interim coach Tiago Splitter, who left for the Chicago Bulls in June after failing to reach a long-term deal with new owner Tom Dundon. Portland finished the 2025-26 season 42-40 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2021, per Sports Illustrated.
From Finch's Right-Hand Man to Head Coach
Nori built his reputation at Minnesota, where he helped construct the league's top-ranked defense around center Rudy Gobert. During the Timberwolves' 2024 playoff run, he took over most in-game coaching duties after head coach Chris Finch ruptured his patellar tendon. Finch once described their relationship as "sharing a brain," according to Sporting News.
Before Minnesota, Nori coached with the Raptors, Kings, Nuggets, Pistons, and Timberwolves. He even coached a 2015 Summer League team that featured Nikola Jokic, years before Jokic became a three-time MVP. Sporting News notes Nori is widely called the "Ted Lasso of the NBA" for his humor and direct communication style.
A Coaching Vacancy Born From Chaos and Ownership Upheaval
The vacancy traces back to October 2025, when head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested in an FBI investigation into an illegal gambling ring. Assistant Tiago Splitter stepped in as interim and steadied the team, leading Portland to a 42-40 record and a No. 7 playoff seed, per OPB.
In March 2026, billionaire Tom Dundon's "Rip City Rising" group bought the Blazers for $4.25 billion. Dundon quickly assumed control and laid off dozens of staff. He later failed to agree on a long-term deal with Splitter, opening the door for a new coaching search, according to The Athletic.
Portland Picked Nori Over Lashbrook After Extensive Search
General Manager Joe Cronin led a search of more than a dozen candidates. Finalists included Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook and Chris Jent, per Field Level Media reports cited by Yahoo Sports. Cronin praised Nori's "authenticity" and his "proven ability to develop players."
Some reports suggest the search was delayed while Dundon focused on his NHL team's Stanley Cup run. Local media have framed the hire as a cost-cutting move, noting that established names like Jeff Van Gundy were reportedly passed over as too expensive, according to Yahoo Sports.
A One-Year Deal Signals Short Leash for New Coach
Contract details varied across outlets. ESPN's Shams Charania described a multiyear arrangement. But The Athletic's Jason Quick reported just a one-year deal with team options for the following two seasons — a structure described as unusually short for a modern NBA head coaching hire.
Nori will also face the challenge of integrating franchise star Damian Lillard, who missed the entire 2025-26 season with an Achilles injury, per Sports Illustrated. If Portland does not top its 42-win total, those team options for years two and three may never be exercised.
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