Head coach Bruce Pearl has led Auburn University to the first #1 Associated Press ranking in the history of the men’s basketball program. With rumors swirling that Louisville’s opening may interest Pearl in moving to a program with more tradition, Auburn officials have moved quickly to keep the “coach” on “the plains”, agreeing to a contract extension.
The agreement was announced by AU Athletic Director Allen Greene on Twitter Friday night. The 61-year old Pearl led Auburn to the program’s first Final Four in 2019. A victory over Kentucky last Saturday send the Tigers surging to the #1 spot in Monday’s poll.
In 2020, Auburn was poised for a return trip to the NCAA Tournament, holding a 25-6 record when the “Big Dance” was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Pearl was fired by Tennessee in 2011 after being charged with unethical conduct by the NCAA. He was hired by Auburn three years later, taking over a Tiger program that had not been to the NCAA Tournament, at that time, since 2003.
