Paul Finebaum wonders if Bruce Pearl would ever think about working somewhere other than Auburn.
Bruce Pearl may be a name to appear for several positions as the college basketball coaching wheel starts to turn. Even if he did well on the Plains, he will always be associated with high-profile positions. Although it’s a necessary step, Pearl has never given leaving Auburn much thought up until now.
Perhaps there is a particular position that Pearl would jump at the chance to coach at. Paul Finebaum of ESPN, though, thinks Pearl is happy just the way he is. Pearl may have his best chance of winning a national championship at Auburn, especially given his ongoing success.
Bruce Pearl, in my opinion, is now old enough to be interested in things other than “grabbing another school and trying to make it to the Final Four.” Where he is, he has a greater chance. Additionally, I believe it has a familial component. He’s been there, he’s established, and he likes it there,” Finebaum added.
When the position in Louisville opened up a few years back, Pearl agreed to a contract extension. Although they signed Kenny Payne, the Cardinals undoubtedly pursued Pearl. However, Allen Greene, the former athletic director, managed to secure the head coach’s signature on the dotted line.
Since the extension, there has been nothing but success. Shortly after, Auburn wrapped up a regular-season championship, earned a No. 1 ranking in the AP poll, and was a two-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Last year was likely considered a down season and still resulted in an at-large bid.
Auburn has another good thing going in 2024 and is fresh off an SEC Tournament title. The program is absolutely humming at the moment with Pearl at the wheel and showing no signs of slowing down.
The clock for returning to a top competitive level would be reset if one were to start again somewhere else. And not only for Pearl herself. He might even be his son.
Finebaum stated, “He has a son who might or might not be his replacement.” “I believe that Bruce Pearl’s current goal is to give his son the keys rather than move away and start over.”
Since the hiring of his father, Steven Pearl has been employed. He is now in the middle of his first season as an Associate Head Coach, having been elevated to the position in August 2023. It may not take long to find Pearl’s replacement after he leaves Auburn, most likely to retire.