Armenia National Basketball Team Head Coach Rex Kalamian has been named an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls. Kalamian will join newly appointed Bulls Head Coach Tiago Splitter’s staff for the 2026-27 NBA season while continuing his role at the helm of the Armenian national team.
The hire marks the next chapter in one of the most storied coaching careers in the modern NBA. With 34 years of experience on NBA sidelines, Kalamian has served on the staffs of the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers (twice), Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets, in addition to scouting roles with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. He most recently spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks from January 2024 through the 2025-26 season under head coach Doc Rivers, where he coached two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Kalamian arrives in Chicago at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Splitter, a former NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs and most recently the acting head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was officially introduced as the 25th head coach in Bulls history in June, taking over a young roster led by Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Kalamian’s decades of experience developing players and building offensive systems is expected to be a central pillar of the new staff.
The Los Angeles native has led the Armenian National Basketball Team since 2022, guiding the program through the strongest run of international form in its history. Under his leadership, Armenia has climbed the FIBA rankings, captured the 2024 LA International Basketball Cup, and swept Costa Rica in 2025. Kalamian will continue in his role as head coach of the Armenian national team alongside his new NBA responsibilities.
“A new city. A new chapter. The same mission,” Armenia’s National Basketball Team said in a statement announcing the move.
Congratulations, Coach Rex.
Picture by 4 Flash Photography
