Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter describes roster versatility
How can the additions of Oscar Cluff and Omer Mayer strengthen the Boilermakers? Listen to Matt Painter explain.
Bruce Pearl spent 11 seasons at Auburn, including Final Four runs in 2019 and 2025.Pearl was a longtime Iowa assistant who also coached at Southern Indiana, Milwaukee and Tennessee.Purdue plays Auburn on Dec. 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the Indy Classic.
When Purdue men’s basketball faces Auburn in the Indy Classic this season, the Tigers will reportedly not have their two-time Final Four coach on the sideline.
Auburn announced Bruce Pearl is stepping down and assuming a role as special assistant to the athletics director. ESPN’s Jeff Borzello first reported Pearl was expected to announce his retirement.
Steven Pearl, Pearl’s son, signed a five-year contract to succeed him. His father coached the Tigers to the Final Four last season and also in 2019.
Purdue plays Auburn at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Dec. 20. It played the Tigers in Birmingham last season, falling 87-69. Auburn went into the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 overall seed before losing to Florida in the national semifinals.
Pearl spent seven years in the Big Ten as an assistant at Iowa before beginning his head coaching career. He was 706-268 over his career at Southern Indiana, Milwaukee, Tennessee and Auburn. He made the Division II national championship game twice with Southern Indiana, winning once. He reached the Sweet 16 with Milwaukee and the Elite Eight with Tennessee.
Tennessee fired Pearl in 2011 after the NCAA asserted he lied during an investigation into potential recruiting violations.
Pearl has been rumored as a possible candidate for Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s open seat. He acknowledged earlier this month he has considered that option. However, in a video statement on Monday, Pearl said he was instead taking on the ambassador role at Auburn athletics.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated to include new information.
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