The Portland Trail Blazers have requested permission to interview Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy for their head coaching vacancy, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
The team is looking for a permanent replacement after placing former head coach Chauncey Billups on leave following an arrest on gambling-related charges.
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Van Gundy's credentials
Van Gundy, 64, has served as Tyronn Lue's lead assistant and defensive coordinator for the Clippers over the past two seasons.
He helped guide the team's defensive efficiency to third and 18th place finishes in those campaigns.
He brings 11 seasons of NBA head coaching experience from previous stints with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, compiling a 430-318 career record and nine playoff appearances.
Before returning to the bench, Van Gundy worked as an ESPN broadcaster for several years.
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Interim head coach Tiago Splitter remains in consideration after leading Portland to a 42-39 record and its first playoff berth in five years, which ended in a first-round loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported initial pessimism regarding Splitter's chances, but recent league whispers indicate he cannot be ruled out completely.
The next head coach will inherit a roster featuring young core talents Deni Avdija and Scoot Henderson.
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The franchise also expects the return of star guard Damian Lillard next season after he missed the entire 2025-26 campaign recovering from an Achilles injury.
