History of Bruce Pearl in Timeline

Bruce Pearl is an American college basketball coach, currently head coach for the Auburn Tigers, where he holds the record for most wins in the school's history. Previously, he coached at Tennessee, Milwaukee, and Southern Indiana. Notably, he led Southern Indiana to a Division II national championship in 1995 and was recognized as the Division II Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

March 18, 1960: Bruce Pearl's Birth

On March 18, 1960, Bruce Alan Pearl was born. He is an American college basketball coach.

Others born on this day/year

January 2, 1966: Start of Previous Home Winning Streak

January 2, 1966 marked the start of the previous Tennessee Volunteers' home winning streak, which lasted until February 24, 1968.

February 24, 1968: End of Previous Home Winning Streak

February 24, 1968, was when the previous Tennessee Volunteers' home winning streak ended, it started on January 2, 1966.

1977: Tom Davis at Boston College

In 1977, Tom Davis served as head coach at Boston College, where Bruce Pearl was his team student-manager.

1982: Assistant Coach at Stanford

In 1982, Bruce Pearl began his tenure as an assistant coach at Stanford.

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: Assistant Coach at Iowa

In 1986, Bruce Pearl became an assistant coach at Iowa under Coach Tom Davis.

1988: Recruiting Scandal at Iowa

During the 1988-89 basketball season, while an assistant coach at Iowa, Bruce Pearl was involved in a recruiting scandal involving Illinois and Deon Thomas. Pearl recorded a phone conversation with Thomas, leading to an NCAA investigation that resulted in sanctions against Illinois for other violations.

1992: Head Coaching Job at Southern Indiana

In 1992, Bruce Pearl became the head coach at Southern Indiana, inheriting a team that had won only 10 games the previous season. He quickly turned the program around.

1992: End of Tenure at Iowa

In 1992, Bruce Pearl's time as an assistant coach at Iowa concluded.

1994: Loss in D-II Championship Game

In 1994, Bruce Pearl's USI team finished with a 28-4 record, reaching the D-II championship game but ultimately 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: D-II National Championship

In 1995, Bruce Pearl led the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles to the NCAA Division II Championship, achieving a 29-game win season.

1999: Best Record Since 1999

In 1999, Auburn had its best record before Bruce Pearl led the 2017-18 team to its best record.

2001: Head Coach of Milwaukee

In 2001, Bruce Pearl took over as head coach of Milwaukee.

2003: First NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2003, Bruce Pearl led Milwaukee to their first NCAA tournament appearance.

2004: First NIT Bid and NCAA D-I Postseason Victory

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: Head Coach at Tennessee

On March 28, 2005, Bruce Pearl was named the new head coach at Tennessee, succeeding Buzz Peterson.

2005: Best Season in School History

In 2005, Bruce Pearl led Milwaukee to their best season in school history, winning both the regular season and conference tournament titles, including two upsets in the NCAA Tournament, ultimately falling to Illinois in the Sweet Sixteen. He subsequently left UWM as the Horizon League's all-time leader in winning percentage.

2005: Thomas's Interview

In a 2005 interview, Deon Thomas referred to Bruce Pearl as "a snake" when asked about forgiving him for the recruiting scandal incident. Thomas eventually became the University of Illinois's all-time leading scorer.

2006: Sporting News Coach of the Year

In 2006, Bruce Pearl was named Coach of the Year by Sporting News.

January 22, 2007: Painted Body at Lady Vols Game

On January 22, 2007, Bruce Pearl attended a Lady Vols game with his upper body painted orange, spelling out "V-O-L-S" with his players, which garnered national media attention and highlighted support for women's athletics.

February 27, 2007: Pat Summitt Cheerleading Appearance

On February 27, 2007, Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt returned the favor to Bruce Pearl on Senior Night for the men's team by appearing as a cheerleader. The Tennessee team also defeated the Florida Gators.

March 27, 2007: Rejection of Iowa Coaching Position

On March 27, 2007, Bruce Pearl indicated that he was not interested in leaving Tennessee for the head coaching position at Iowa.

February 23, 2008: Victory over Memphis Tigers

On February 23, 2008, Bruce Pearl led the second-ranked Tennessee Volunteers to a 66-62 victory over the top-ranked and undefeated Memphis Tigers, 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 achieved his 400th career win by defeating UNC-Asheville, becoming the 6th-fastest coach to reach this milestone. Tyler Smith also recorded the school's first ever triple-double with 12 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.

2008: Adolph Rupp Cup Award

In 2008, Bruce Pearl was awarded the Adolph Rupp Cup.

2008: Pearl Hosts Aaron Craft at Cookout, Violates NCAA Rules

In the summer of 2008, Bruce Pearl violated NCAA rules by hosting high school junior Aaron Craft at his home during an unofficial visit and then encouraged those present to conceal the event. Pearl later lied to the NCAA about the cookout during the investigation.

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 Victory at Tennessee

On November 17, 2009, Bruce Pearl recorded his 100th victory at Tennessee as his team defeated UNC-Asheville 124–49, marking the most points ever scored by Tennessee in a regular season game. The team's 34 assists also set a school record.

2009: Tribute to Ray Mears

During the 2009 SEC Men's Tournament Final, Bruce Pearl wore a brightly colored orange jacket in honor of the late UT coach Ray Mears against division rival Kentucky and in-state rival Vanderbilt.

2009: Maccabiah Games Gold Medal

In 2009, Bruce Pearl served as the head coach for the Maccabi USA men's basketball team, which won the gold medal at the Maccabiah Games.

January 10, 2010: Victory over #1 Kansas

On January 10, 2010, Bruce Pearl's Tennessee team defeated the #1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks in Knoxville, marking the first time Tennessee had defeated a #1 ranked team at Thompson–Boling Arena.

February 27, 2010: Victory over #2 Kentucky and NCAA Tournament Berth

On February 27, 2010, Bruce Pearl's Tennessee team defeated the #2 ranked Kentucky Wildcats in Knoxville, securing the Vols' 5th straight NCAA tournament appearance under his coaching.

March 18, 2010: NCAA Tournament First Round Win on 50th Birthday

On Bruce Pearl's 50th birthday, March 18, 2010, Tennessee defeated San Diego State in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament.

March 26, 2010: Elite Eight Appearance

On March 26, 2010, Bruce Pearl led the Tennessee Volunteers to their first Elite Eight in school history with a defeat of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

September 4, 2010: Restriction on Pearl's off-campus recruiting

On September 4, 2010, Pearl's off-campus recruiting was restricted completely, lasting until September 23, 2011, due to violations and lying to the NCAA.

September 10, 2010: Pearl Acknowledges Violations and Admits Lying to NCAA

On September 10, 2010, Bruce Pearl publicly acknowledged his violations in the Aaron Craft affair and admitted to lying to the NCAA. As a consequence, Tennessee imposed sanctions on Pearl, including a $1.5 million salary reduction, restrictions on recruiting activities, and a delayed retention bonus.

November 20, 2010: SEC Suspends Pearl for Eight Games

On November 20, 2010, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) ordered Bruce Pearl to sit out Tennessee's first eight SEC games as part of the sanctions for his violations.

2010: Tennessee's Successful Start to the 2010-11 Season

Early in the 2010-11 season, the Tennessee Volunteers achieved a 7-0 record and a #7 AP ranking after defeating nationally ranked Villanova and Pittsburgh.

March 21, 2011: Tennessee Fires Bruce Pearl

On March 21, 2011, Tennessee terminated Bruce Pearl's employment following the discovery of additional NCAA violations and a violation of the school's substance abuse policy by a player. This decision came three days after the team's significant loss to Michigan.

August 23, 2011: Pearl Receives Three-Year Show-Cause Penalty

On August 23, 2011, Bruce Pearl received a three-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA for lying during investigations, effective until August 23, 2014. This imposed restrictions on recruiting activities.

August 30, 2011: Pearl Accepts Position at 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 restriction on Pearl's off-campus recruiting

On September 23, 2011, the restriction on Pearl's off-campus recruiting ended. This restriction was a consequence of violations and lying to the NCAA.

2011: Tennessee's Season Ends in Blowout Loss

In 2011, the Tennessee Volunteers experienced a season impacted by an NCAA investigation, leading to a decline in performance and a significant 30-point loss to Michigan in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This defeat marked the end of Bruce Pearl's coaching tenure at Tennessee.

August 23, 2012: Expiration of Assistant Coaches' Show-Cause Orders

On August 23, 2012, the one-year show-cause orders given to Bruce Pearl's assistant coaches expired.

March 18, 2014: Pearl Named Head Basketball Coach at Auburn

On March 18, 2014, Bruce Pearl was appointed as Auburn's head basketball coach, succeeding Tony Barbee. He signed a 6-year contract worth $2.2 million per year with a $100,000 annual escalator.

August 23, 2014: Expiration of Pearl's Show-Cause Penalty

On August 23, 2014, the three-year show-cause penalty imposed on Bruce Pearl by the NCAA expired, lifting the restrictions on his recruiting activities.

November 14, 2014: Pearl Wins First Game as Auburn Coach

On November 14, 2014, Bruce Pearl secured his first victory as the head coach of Auburn, 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.

2016: Auburn Vacates Wins from 2016-17 Season

As part of the sanctions from the NCAA, Auburn vacated 12 wins (7 of these were SEC wins) achieved during the 2016–17 season due to violations.

2016: Auburn Ends Losing Streak to Kentucky

In 2016, Bruce Pearl helped Auburn end its 18-game losing streak against Kentucky.

January 18, 2017: Pearl Earns 500th Career Win

On January 18, 2017, Bruce Pearl achieved his 500th career win as a head coach after Auburn defeated LSU with a score of 78-74.

2017: Assistant coach's involvement in the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal

Chuck Person, a former assistant coach, was involved in the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal.

2017: Pearl Leads Auburn to Best Record Since 1999

In 2017, Bruce Pearl led Auburn's team to achieve its best record since 1999 while winning the SEC regular season championship.

2019: Final Four Appearance

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 Tournament, defeating Tennessee in the championship game. They advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament, defeating Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky en route. Auburn lost to Virginia in the Final Four.

2020: Cancellation of 2020 NCAA Tournament

In 2020, the NCAA tournament was cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, Auburn was 2nd in the SEC and expected to participate in the Tournament.

2020: Successful 2020 Season Ends Early

The 2020 season was successful for Bruce Pearl and Auburn, finishing second in the SEC with a 25-6 record before the season's cancellation due to COVID-19.

2021: Auburn Ineligible for Postseason Play

Due to former assistant coach Chuck Person's involvement in the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal, Auburn was ineligible for postseason play in 2021, and Pearl was suspended for 2 games.

2022: Historic Season for Pearl and Auburn

2022 was a historic season for Bruce Pearl and Auburn, leading the Tigers to their first-ever #1 ranking in the AP Poll and winning the SEC regular-season championship. Jabari Smith Jr. was selected number three overall in the 2022 NBA draft, and Walker Kessler was also selected in the first round at pick twenty-two.

2022: Pearl Signs Contract Extension

During the 2022 season, Bruce Pearl signed an eight-year, $50.2 million contract extension with Auburn.

2022: Unique NCAA Tournament Coach

In 2022, Bruce Pearl was noted as one of the few Division I basketball coaches who never played high school basketball, even at the junior varsity level, and was the only head coach in the 2022 NCAA tournament with that distinction.