The Portland Trail Blazers’ head coaching search has taken another turn, with two new interviews adding fresh layers to an already wide-ranging process that continues to evolve without a set deadline.
NBA insider Michael Scotto reported that Portland has conducted interviews with Jared Dudley and Ben Sullivan as the franchise evaluates nearly 20 candidates for the role.
The process is being overseen by team governor Tom Dundon and general manager Joe Cronin, with the organization still weighing long-term direction after a season that ended with a return to the playoffs but also a first-round exit.
Dudley, currently a lead assistant with the Denver Nuggets, brings extensive NBA experience both as a player and coach. He also previously served as an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks and spent 14 seasons across multiple franchises, including the Lakers, Suns, and Bucks.
His coaching profile is built around veteran locker-room leadership and postseason experience, shaped further by his time in Denver’s structured system under a contending roster.
Sullivan, meanwhile, arrives from the Houston Rockets staff, where he has worked under Ime Udoka. His résumé also includes roles alongside Joe Mazzulla and Mike Budenholzer, adding exposure to multiple modern NBA systems.
A former University of Portland player, Sullivan’s connection to the city adds another layer to his candidacy as Portland evaluates both tactical fit and organizational familiarity.
While interviews continue, interim coach Tiago Splitter remains part of the evaluation process after guiding Portland to a 42–39 record and a return to the postseason. Despite that success, league reporting indicates the franchise is unlikely to remove his interim status.
Splitter led the Blazers into the playoffs, where they were eliminated in five games by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference First Round. The series highlighted both Portland’s competitiveness and gaps against a top-tier opponent.
That playoff appearance marked the franchise’s first in five years, driven by a core featuring Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Jrue Holiday, and Donovan Clingan. The group showed flashes across the season, with Avdija emerging as a primary offensive hub and Sharpe providing perimeter scoring bursts.
The Blazers’ decision-makers are also operating under early speculation about 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 have indicated the search has not been rushed. With a large candidate pool still under review, Portland’s decision will likely hinge on balancing development of its young core with immediate competitiveness in a tightly packed Western Conference.
