Bruce Pearl is the celebrated head coach of the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team. Beyond his wins and charm, many of his fans are curious about his personal life, particularly his wife, Brandy Pearl. Here’s an inside look at the woman standing beside this coaching powerhouse.
Brandy Pearl: The Woman Behind Bruce
Brandy Pearl, born Brandy Rena Samuel on April 30, 1974, entered Bruce’s life in 2008. This was shortly after his divorce from his first wife, Kim Shrigley, with whom he has four children. At the time, Brandy was around 34, and Bruce was nearing 48.
They hit it off quickly, marrying on August 29, 2009. Now 50, Brandy has been a steady presence in Bruce’s life for over a decade. Together, they live in Auburn, Ala., where their personal and professional worlds intertwine.
@coachbrucepearl: Representing @AuburnTiger w/my beautiful wife @brandy_pearl #KentuckyDerby What an amazing event! pic.twitter.com/Wh8M1sZETF
— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) May 7, 2016
Other than being a driving force for the Pearl family, Brandy is also a prominent businesswoman. She and Bruce teamed up with partners Steve and April Harper to launch two pet-focused ventures—Grove Bark Inn, a luxury dog resort that caters to pampered pups, and Zoom to Groom, a mobile pet grooming service that offers pet grooming services at home.
All of these businesses are inspired by their pet dog, Stewy. Although Bruce brought four children into the marriage, Jacquie, Leah, Steven, and Michael, from his previous relationship, the couple doesn’t have any kids between them. Nevertheless, that vacant space is always filled by Bruce’s kids and their four-pawed sweethearts.
Steven works alongside his dad as a coach at Auburn. Leah teaches dance, Jacquie runs a nonprofit, and Michael studies at Auburn. The blended family stays tight-knit, with Brandy as a strong glue, and makes them stick together.
WATCH: Bruce Pearl’s Heartwarming Moment as His Grandkids Deliver SEC Coach of the Year News
Bruce has a legendary career in College Football. He’s won 300 games faster than nearly any NCAA coach and led teams to a Final Four. But off the court, Brandy’s influence is undeniable. “She’s my rock,” Bruce has said of her steady support. We’re a team,” he once told a local reporter. Together, they balance his high-profile gig with a grounded home life.
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