Taj Gibson retires from NBA, joins Chicago Bulls coaching staff

Taj Gibson has announced his retirement from the NBA after a 17-season career and will immediately join the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach. The 41-year-old forward, who was originally drafted by the Bulls in 2009, will serve on the coaching staff led by head coach Tiago Splitter for the 2026–27 season.

Throughout his career, Gibson played for eight different franchises, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies. Over 1,012 career games, he averaged 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He was recognized as an NBA All-Rookie selection following the 2009-10 season.

The Bulls' newly finalized coaching staff under Splitter also includes assistant coaches Wes Unseld Jr., Blake Ahearn, Jamelle McMillan, Rex Kalamian, and Jonah Herscu, along with senior player development coach Martin Rancik and director of player development Jordan Brink.