Bruce Pearl's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Bruce Pearl.

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

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.

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.

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.

2006: Sporting News Coach of the Year

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

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.

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.

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: 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.

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 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.

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 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: 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: 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: 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.

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.