AUBURN, AL — Auburn men’s basketball just added another historic accolade to its resume — and so did the man leading the charge.
Bruce Pearl, the fiery and beloved head coach of the Auburn Tigers, has been named Co-Winner of the 2025 AP Men’s College Basketball Coach of the Year. Pearl shares the prestigious honor with St. John’s legendary coach Rick Pitino, marking one of the most thrilling coaching duos recognized in recent memory.
The award comes after a jaw-dropping season in which Pearl guided the Tigers to:
A school-record 32 wins
An SEC regular-season championship
And a Final Four appearance as the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament
“Coach Pearl brought out the best in this team,” said Auburn athletic director John Cohen. “This award is a reflection of the heart, hustle, and vision he instills in every player who puts on that jersey.”
Pearl’s leadership this season electrified not only the SEC, but the entire college basketball landscape. Auburn played with a blend of grit, speed, and selfless team basketball that overwhelmed opponents and thrilled fans from start to finish.
With this recognition, Pearl further cements his status as one of the most impactful coaches in the game — and he’s not done yet.
“We built this season on belief,” Pearl said after accepting the award. “Belief in ourselves, belief in our culture, and belief that Auburn basketball belongs among the elite.”
And now, with the nation watching, it’s clear: Auburn is no longer just a football school — it’s a basketball powerhouse too.
Stay tuned, Tiger Nation. The Pearl
Era is just heating up.
