The NBA schedule will look a little different in 2026-27, and not just because of the games themselves. Six teams enter the season with new head coaches, a reminder that one-fifth of the league made a major sideline change during the offseason.
That kind of turnover matters because coaching changes usually bring a new tone, a new rotation approach and, in some cases, a new timeline for how quickly a team expects to compete. For the teams involved, the start of the 2026-27 season is as much about establishing identity as it is about wins and losses.
Tiago Splitter takes over the Bulls
The most notable move on the list is Tiago Splitter taking over the Chicago Bulls. Splitter steps into the job with a roster that includes Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, whom the Bulls drafted at No. 4 and No. 15 in the 2026 NBA Draft, along with a new general manager in Bryson Graham. That gives the Bulls a very clear reset around the new coach.
Splitter has already signaled what he wants the Bulls to become. He said the goal is to build a culture built on high standards, strong habits and steady growth, while also acknowledging that it will take time and a lot of work. He also made it clear he understands the expectations that come with leading the Chicago Bulls and said he is ready to get started.
He also spoke about his personal connection to the franchise, saying he grew up watching Michael Jordan games in Brazil and rooting for the Bulls late at night. That kind of background does not guarantee results, but it does add some context to why the opportunity clearly means a lot to him.
Recent history suggests quick starts are possible
The Bulls are not the only team to hand the job to a first-year coach and hope for immediate traction. The recent track record has been mixed, but there have been some clear success stories. Steve Kerr won a championship with Golden State in his first season there in 2015. Tyronn Lue did it with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Nick Nurse won a title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and Frank Vogel did the same with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
There are also examples of first-year coaches guiding teams deep into the postseason. Joe Mazzulla coached the Boston Celtics to a title in 2024 if interim years are not counted, while Mitch Johnson took San Antonio to the Finals last season if interim years are not counted. Sean Sweeney also helped the San Antonio Spurs reach the NBA Finals in 2026.
That does not mean every coaching change leads to an immediate jump. But it does show that a new voice can matter quickly when the roster, front office and coaching staff are aligned. For the Bulls, that alignment now includes Splitter, Graham and a young draft class that will help define the next phase.
What the coaching turnover means league-wide
Six new head coaches across the league is a significant number, especially this late in the offseason cycle. It means several teams are entering the 2026-27 season with new playbooks, new routines and new expectations before the schedule even starts.
For fans, that makes the first month of the season worth watching closely. Early-game structure, rotation decisions and whether a team can settle in quickly often tell the story of how much progress was made before opening night. The schedule may be fixed, but the direction of these teams is not.
