9. Bruce Pearl

Last season, we predicted that Bruce Pearl was on the verge of a breakout season at Auburn. He did just that, leading the Tigers to the national championship game. He’s already turned Auburn into a perennial SEC contender, and it’s only a matter of time before that dominance extends deeper into March.

The numbers tell the story best: in the 26 seasons preceding Pearl’s arrival, Auburn made just three NCAA Tournament appearances. Since taking over in 2014, he’s taken them to five—including the program’s first-ever Final Four.

The foundation is built. Now, Pearl looks poised to finish the job.