Bruce Pearl has continued to rewrite Auburn basketball history with yet another remarkable season. His leadership has propelled the Tigers to unprecedented success, and the accolades keep coming.
On Friday, Pearl was named to the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List. With that, he has solidified his status as one of the top coaches in the country.
Bruce Pearl Secures Another 25-Win Season
Pearl’s ability to maintain Auburn’s dominance has been nothing short of extraordinary. With Saturday’s win, he achieved his sixth 25-win season in the past eight years. Before his arrival, Auburn had only reached that milestone once in its entire history. His impact on the program has been undeniable, turning a once-average team into a national contender.
The significance of this achievement was highlighted by an X post from Miles Kelly’s Burner.
“With a win on Saturday, Bruce Pearl will have his 6th 25+ win season in the past 8 seasons. Auburn had one 25+ win season in program history before Pearl’s arrival. One,” the X post said.
With a win on Saturday,
Bruce Pearl will have his 6th 25+ win season in the past 8 seasons.
Auburn had one 25+ win season in program history before Pearl’s arrival.
One.
Best Coach in the State and Conference.🦅🦅
— Miles Kelly’s Burner (@MilesKellyBurnr) February 20, 2025
Beyond the win total, Auburn has established itself as a dominant force in college basketball. The team has held the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll for nearly two months—longer than at any other point in program history. In SEC history, only Kentucky has maintained the No. 1 ranking for six consecutive weeks or more.
Auburn’s Grueling Schedule and NCAA Recognition
Pearl described this season’s slate as one of, if not, the toughest schedules he’s ever had as a head coach.
“By far the toughest schedule in Auburn Basketball history and probably in my 29 years of being a head coach,” Pearl said.
The Tigers faced challenges from the Maui Invitational and the SEC/ACC Challenge, yet they have managed to navigate them with impressive consistency.
Their dominance has not gone unnoticed. The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee unanimously ranked Auburn as the top overall seed in its first and only bracket projection. Members of the committee even noted that selecting Auburn for the top spot was “one of the easiest” decisions they had ever made.
Player Development and Coaching Recognition
Auburn’s success is also a testament to Pearl’s ability to develop players. Senior forward Johni Broome has flourished under Pearl’s system, emerging as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year. Additionally, Pearl’s trust in players like Chris Moore and freshman Tahaad Pettiford has allowed Auburn to maintain depth and versatility.
Pearl was one of 15 coaches named to the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List. He joins fellow SEC coaches Dennis Gates (Missouri) and Todd Golden (Florida) on the list. Other notable candidates include Rick Pitino (St. John’s), Greg Gard (Wisconsin), and Ben McCollum (Drake).
KEEP READING: ‘Best Player in College Basketball’ – Johni Broome’s Impact Will Be Huge, Bruce Pearl Says
With Auburn in position for a deep tournament run, Pearl’s coaching excellence has once again placed the Tigers among the nation’s elite. His ability to build a winning culture has made him one of the most respected figures in college basketball.
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