Taj Gibson Joined Chicago Bulls Coaching Staff
The longtime veteran transitioned to the sidelines following the conclusion of his 17-year NBA playing career.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Basketball
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Taj Gibson has officially retired from professional basketball and joined the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach. The move reunites the former draft pick with the organization that selected him in 2009.
Why it matters
Gibson brings extensive experience to the team after a lengthy career as a player in the league. His transition to the coaching staff under Tiago Splitter adds a familiar veteran presence to the Bulls bench.
Gibson recorded 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over the course of his 17-year NBA career. He was originally selected 26th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.
The players
Taj Gibson
He is a former professional basketball player who competed in the NBA for 17 seasons after playing at USC.
Chicago Bulls
This is a professional basketball team based in Chicago that competes in the NBA's Central Division.
Tiago Splitter
He is a professional basketball coach who currently leads the coaching staff for the Chicago Bulls.
Draymond Green
He is an active NBA player who played for Michigan State during the 2009 NCAA Tournament.
DeMar DeRozan
He is an active NBA player who was a teammate of Taj Gibson during their time at USC.
The details
After announcing his retirement from playing, Gibson joined the coaching staff led by Tiago Splitter in Chicago. His basketball journey began at USC, where he played before being drafted by the Bulls.
Timeline
2008-09: Taj Gibson played collegiately at USC with DeMar DeRozan.
2009: Michigan State faced USC in the NCAA Tournament.
2009: The Chicago Bulls selected Taj Gibson in the NBA Draft.
2026: Taj Gibson joined the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach.
Season Trajectory
The addition of Gibson to the bench signals a shift in the Bulls' leadership strategy as they integrate institutional knowledge from a long-tenured veteran. This move aims to bolster player development and bench cohesion as the franchise navigates the current competitive landscape.
Gibson's hiring formalizes a change in the coaching staff's composition for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts will watch how his veteran perspective influences the team's rotation management and defensive approach.
The takeaway
Players frequently transition into coaching roles after long careers as they look to share their accumulated experience with younger rosters. These veteran hires can provide unique mentorship and locker room stability that is difficult to replicate through traditional coaching hires.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the team, visit Chicago Basketball.
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