History of Bruce Pearl in Timeline
Bruce Pearl is an American college basketball coach, currently heading the Auburn Tigers, where he holds the record for most wins. Prior to Auburn, he coached at Tennessee, Milwaukee, and Southern Indiana. His coaching career highlights include leading Southern Indiana to a Division II national championship in 1995, earning him the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II Coach of the Year award.
March 18, 1960: Bruce Pearl's Birth
On March 18, 1960, Bruce Alan Pearl was born. He is now an American college basketball coach.
January 2, 1966: Start of Tennessee's Previous Home Win Streak
January 2, 1966, marks the start of Tennessee's previous home win streak, which lasted until February 24, 1968.
February 24, 1968: End of Tennessee's Previous Home Win Streak
February 24, 1968, marks the end of Tennessee's previous home win streak, which started on January 2, 1966.
1977: Tom Davis Head Coach at Boston College
In 1977, Tom Davis started serving as head coach at Boston College where Bruce Pearl had served as his team student-manager.
1982: Assistant Coach at Stanford University
In 1982, Bruce Pearl began his tenure as an assistant coach at Stanford University.
1982: Graduation from Boston College
In 1982, Bruce Pearl graduated from Boston College, where he served as the manager of the men's basketball team.
1986: End of Stanford Assistant Coach Tenure
In 1986, Bruce Pearl's tenure as assistant coach at Stanford University concluded.
1988: Recruiting Scandal at Iowa
During the 1988–89 basketball season, Bruce Pearl, then an assistant coach at Iowa, was involved in a recruiting scandal with Illinois regarding player Deon Thomas. Pearl recorded a phone conversation with Thomas and turned it over to the NCAA, leading to an investigation. The NCAA did not find Illinois guilty of wrongdoing but cited other violations.
1992: Head Coach at Southern Indiana
In 1992, Bruce Pearl became the head coach at Southern Indiana (USI), inheriting a team that had won just 10 games the previous season. He quickly turned the program around, posting a 22–7 record in his first season and leading the Eagles to 9 consecutive NCAA D-II tournaments.
1992: End of Iowa Assistant Coach Tenure
In 1992, Bruce Pearl's tenure as assistant coach at University of Iowa concluded.
1994: USI Loss in D-II Championship
In 1994, Bruce Pearl's USI team finished with a 28–4 record, advancing to the D-II championship game but losing.
1995: Southern Indiana Division II National Championship
In 1995, Bruce Pearl led Southern Indiana to a Division II national championship and was named Division II Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
1995: USI Wins D-II Championship
In 1995, Bruce Pearl's USI team won 29 games and claimed the D–II championship, led by National Player of the Year Stan Gouard. Pearl was named the NABC Division II coach of the year.
1999: Best Record Since 1999
The 2017-18 Auburn team achieved its best record since 1999, highlighting the progress made under Bruce Pearl's leadership.
2001: Head Coach of Milwaukee
In 2001, Bruce Pearl took over as head coach of Milwaukee (UWM).
2003: First NCAA Tournament Appearance for Milwaukee
In 2003, Bruce Pearl led Milwaukee to their first NCAA tournament appearance.
2004: First NIT Bid for Milwaukee
In 2004, Bruce Pearl led Milwaukee to its first-ever NIT bid, as well as its first-ever NCAA D–I postseason victory.
March 28, 2005: Named Head Coach at Tennessee
On March 28, 2005, Bruce Pearl was named as the new head coach at Tennessee, succeeding Buzz Peterson. He also stirred controversy by releasing Matthew Dotson from his scholarship.
December 2005: Tennessee Enters National Rankings
In December 2005, Tennessee entered the national rankings after routing then No. 2-ranked Texas, 95–78.
2005: Milwaukee's Best Season
In 2005, Bruce Pearl led Milwaukee to its best season in school history. The Panthers won both the regular season and conference tournament titles, defeating the Detroit Titans in the championship game. They advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament before losing to Illinois.
2005: Deon Thomas Interview
In a 2005 interview, Deon Thomas referred to Bruce Pearl as a "snake" and expressed difficulty in forgiving him due to lingering feelings from the recruiting scandal.
2006: Coach of the Year by Sporting News
In 2006, Bruce Pearl was named Coach of the Year by Sporting News.
2006: SEC East Champions, NCAA Tournament Upset
In 2006, Bruce Pearl's Tennessee team led the SEC East for most of the season and won the SEC East title. However, they were upset in the second round of both the SEC and NCAA tournaments.
January 22, 2007: Pearl Paints Body Orange at Lady Vols Game
On January 22, 2007, Bruce Pearl attended a Lady Vols game with his upper body painted orange to show support. His actions brought national media attention to the Tennessee program.
February 27, 2007: Pat Summitt Cheered at Men's Team Senior Night
On February 27, 2007, Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt returned the favor on Senior Night for the men's team. She came out as a cheerleader and led the crowd in a rendition of Rocky Top.
February 23, 2008: Tennessee Defeats Memphis
On February 23, 2008, Bruce Pearl led the second-ranked Vols into in-state, undefeated rival Memphis to play the # 1 ranked Tigers. Tennessee defeated Memphis 66–62, handing Memphis its first loss of the season and its first home loss in 47 games.
March 5, 2008: SEC Regular Season Championship
On March 5, 2008, Bruce Pearl's team defeated the Florida Gators to claim Tennessee's first outright SEC Regular Season Championship in 41 years.
March 16, 2008: NCAA Tournament Selection
On March 16, 2008, Tennessee was chosen as a #2 seed in the East region of the 2008 NCAA basketball tournament.
December 3, 2008: 400th Career Win
On December 3, 2008, Bruce Pearl secured his 400th career win by defeating UNC-Asheville, becoming the 6th-fastest basketball coach to reach the milestone. Tyler Smith also recorded the school's first triple-double.
2008: Awarded the Adolph Rupp Cup
In 2008, Bruce Pearl was awarded the Adolph Rupp Cup.
2008: NCAA Violation with Aaron Craft
In the summer of 2008, Bruce Pearl violated NCAA rules by inviting high school junior Aaron Craft to his home during an unofficial visit to Tennessee and then asked those in attendance to keep it a secret. Pearl later lied to the NCAA about the incident.
March 2009: SEC Tournament Final Appearance and Contract Extension
In March 2009, Bruce Pearl led the Vols to their first SEC Tournament Final in 20 years, where they lost to Mississippi State. Tennessee announced a six-year contract extension for Pearl.
March 20, 2009: NCAA Tournament Elimination
On March 20, 2009, Bruce Pearl led the Vols to the NCAA tournament where they were eliminated by Oklahoma State 77–75.
November 17, 2009: 100th Win at Tennessee
On November 17, 2009, Bruce Pearl recorded his 100th win at Tennessee, defeating UNC-Asheville 124–49. The 124-point total set a record for the most points scored by Tennessee in a regular season game.
2009: Maccabi USA Men's Basketball Team Gold Medal
In 2009, Bruce Pearl served as the head coach for the Maccabi USA men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the Maccabiah Games.
March 18, 2010: Tennessee Defeats San Diego State in NCAA Tournament
On March 18, 2010, Bruce Pearl celebrated his 50th birthday as his Tennessee team defeated San Diego State with a score of 62-59 in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament.
September 4, 2010: Start of Recruiting Restriction
On September 4, 2010, Bruce Pearl's off-campus recruiting was completely restricted due to sanctions imposed by Tennessee following his admission of NCAA violations.
September 10, 2010: Pearl Acknowledges Violations
On September 10, 2010, Bruce Pearl admitted to NCAA violations and lying about the Aaron Craft affair. Tennessee imposed sanctions, including a $1.5 million salary reduction and recruiting restrictions.
November 20, 2010: SEC Suspends Pearl
On November 20, 2010, the SEC ordered Bruce Pearl to sit out Tennessee's first eight SEC games as a consequence of NCAA violations.
2010: Tennessee's Strong Start and NCAA Investigation
In early 2010, Tennessee, coached by Bruce Pearl, started strong, beating nationally ranked Villanova and Pittsburgh, reaching a 7-0 record and #7 AP ranking. However, an NCAA investigation led to a decline, and the Vols struggled in their last 12 games.
March 21, 2011: Tennessee Fires Pearl
On March 21, 2011, Bruce Pearl was fired by Tennessee after additional NCAA violations and a player's substance abuse policy violation were discovered.
August 23, 2011: Pearl Receives Show-Cause Penalty
On August 23, 2011, Bruce Pearl was given a three-year show-cause penalty by the NCAA for lying to them, effective until August 23, 2014. This restricted his recruiting activities.
August 30, 2011: Pearl Joins H. T. Hackney
On August 30, 2011, Bruce Pearl accepted a position as Vice President of Marketing for Knoxville wholesaler H. T. Hackney.
September 23, 2011: End of Recruiting Restriction
On September 23, 2011, Bruce Pearl's off-campus recruiting restriction ended, following sanctions imposed by Tennessee for NCAA violations.
2011: Pearl's First NCAA Sanctioning
In 2011, Bruce Pearl faced his first NCAA sanctioning while at the University of Tennessee, marking a significant challenge in his career.
August 23, 2012: End of Assistant Coaches Show-Cause Orders
On August 23, 2012, the one-year show-cause orders for Bruce Pearl's assistant coaches expired, following sanctions related to NCAA violations.
March 18, 2014: Pearl Named Auburn's Head Coach
On March 18, 2014, Bruce Pearl was named Auburn's head basketball coach, replacing Tony Barbee. He signed a 6-year contract worth $2.2 million per year.
August 23, 2014: End of Show-Cause Penalty
August 23, 2014, marked the end of Bruce Pearl's three-year show-cause penalty imposed by the NCAA for lying during an investigation, which had restricted his recruiting activities.
November 14, 2014: Pearl's First Win as Auburn Coach
On November 14, 2014, Bruce Pearl won his first game as Auburn's head coach, defeating his former school, Milwaukee, with a score of 83–73.
2015: Auburn Reaches SEC Tournament Semifinals
In 2015, Bruce Pearl led Auburn to the SEC tournament semifinals as a 13-seed, marking a significant achievement for the program.
2016: Wins Vacated Due to Scandal
As part of sanctions from the NCAA, Auburn vacated 12 wins achieved during the 2016–17 season.
2016: Auburn Ends Losing Streak to Kentucky
In 2016, Bruce Pearl led Auburn to end an 18-game losing streak to Kentucky, marking a significant victory for the program.
January 18, 2017: Pearl Earns 500th Career Win
On January 18, 2017, Bruce Pearl earned his 500th career win as a head coach after Auburn defeated LSU with a score of 78–74.
2017: Best Record Since 1999
In 2017, Bruce Pearl led the Auburn team to their best record since 1999 while winning the SEC regular season championship.
2017: Chuck Person Scandal Involvement
In 2017-18, assistant coach Chuck Person was involved in a corruption scandal.
2019: Led Team to Final Four
In 2019, Bruce Pearl became the fifth Jewish head basketball coach to lead a team to the Final Four.
2019: Auburn Wins SEC Tournament and Reaches Final Four
In 2019, Bruce Pearl's Auburn team won the SEC Conference tournament and advanced to their first Final Four in the NCAA tournament after defeating Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
2020: Cancellation of NCAA Tournament
In 2020, the NCAA tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Auburn, which was 2nd in the SEC, was likely to make the tournament.
2020: Successful Season Ended by COVID-19
The 2020 season was successful for Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers, finishing second in the SEC with a 25-6 record before the season's cancellation due to COVID-19.
December 2021: Auburn Placed on Probation, Pearl Suspended
In December 2021, the Auburn Tigers were placed on four years' probation for NCAA violations, and Bruce Pearl was suspended for two games.
2021: Auburn Ineligible for Postseason Play
In 2021, Auburn was ineligible for postseason play due to former assistant coach Chuck Person's involvement in the 2017-18 corruption scandal.
2021: Dip in Form for Pearl
In 2021, there was a significant dip in form for Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers, falling to a 13-14 record, marking only his second losing record as a head coach.
2022: Pearl Signs Contract Extension
During the 2022 season, Bruce Pearl signed an eight-year, $50.2 million contract extension with Auburn, effective after the season.
2022: Historic Season and NBA Draft Success
In 2022, Bruce Pearl led Auburn to its first-ever #1 ranking in the AP Poll and the SEC regular season championship. Jabari Smith Jr. became the highest NBA draft pick in program history, and Walker Kessler was also selected in the first round.
2022: Only Head Coach in NCAA Tournament Without High School Basketball Experience
In 2022, Bruce Pearl was noted as being the only head coach in the NCAA tournament who never played high school basketball.
2022: Recognition by The Algemeiner
In 2022, The Algemeiner named Bruce Pearl one of 100 people positively influencing Jewish life.
2024: Auburn's Dominant Season and Final Four Run
In the 2024 season, Bruce Pearl led Auburn to significant success, securing the #1 ranking in the AP poll for 8 weeks and reaching the Final Four after a successful NCAA Tournament run.
2024: Pearl's Record at Auburn
Through the end of the 2024-25 season, Bruce Pearl's record at Auburn is 246–125 (.663), reflecting his coaching performance.
January 7, 2025: Pearl Surpasses Eaves for Most Wins
On January 7, 2025, Bruce Pearl won his 214th game for Auburn at Texas, surpassing Joel Eaves for the most wins in program history.
2025: Co-AP Coach of the Year
In 2025, Bruce Pearl was named Co-AP Coach of the Year alongside Rick Pitino.
2030: Contract Extension Until 2030
Bruce Pearl's eight-year contract extension, signed during the 2022 season, keeps him at Auburn until 2030.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Coronaviruses are a family of RNA viruses affecting mammals and...
College basketball involves amateur student-athletes competing for university teams Several...
Virginia officially the Commonwealth of Virginia is a state located...
North Carolina located in the Southeastern United States is the...
Florida a southeastern U S state is a peninsula between...
Trending
1 month ago Dustin Johnson Reflects on Golf Future at US Open Return to Oakmont.
59 minutes ago Justin Leonard's Surprising Open Round & Mickelson's Lead Stir Excitement
60 minutes ago Laura Jane Grace faces abuse allegations, tour potentially canceled, album reviewed.
60 minutes ago Henrik Stenson's career altered by LIV, returns to The Open with famous caddie.
2 hours ago Our Motorsports Shuts Down NASCAR Xfinity Team Mid-Season, Driver Replacement Confirmed
3 hours ago Cerundolo defeats Ruud in Gstaad after Ruud's Roland Garros injury return.
Popular
Pam Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician A...
Jupiter is the fifth and largest planet from the Sun...
KPop Demon Hunters is a animated musical fantasy action comedy...
Thomas Douglas Homan is an American law enforcement officer and...
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...
Rosie O'Donnell is a multifaceted American entertainer known as a...