Auburn, Bruce Pearl comment after agreeing to monster extension

With Louisville’s head basketball coaching position now open, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl had been linked to the opening. That led to a contract extension for Pearl with Auburn, which was announced on Friday night.

Following Pearl’s extension, he and Auburn athletic director Allen Greene have publicly commented on the new deal.

“By leading Auburn’s men’s basketball program to unprecedented heights, Coach Bruce Pearl has earned this contract extension that’s commensurate with his level of achievement within the Southeastern Conference. We are thrilled to agree on terms that will keep BP on the Plains for many years to come while investing in his assistant coaches and support staff,” Greene said.

“In addition to Auburn’s remarkable on-court success under his leadership, Coach Pearl has tirelessly championed Auburn Athletics and Auburn University while serving our community in countless ways. This extension ensures that Auburn’s commitment to Coach Pearl matches BP’s commitment to Auburn.” 

Pearl’s new deal will keep him with the Tigers for eight years. The deal is worth $5.4 million per season to start, and it has an escalator of $250,000 each year from then on.

Pearl’s comments on his extension with Auburn

Since coming to Auburn, Pearl has led the Tigers to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Auburn went to the Final Four for the first time in 2019. The Tigers also won 25 games before COVID-19 shortened the 2019-2020 season. Over the last five seasons, Auburn is the winningest program in the SEC with 112 wins.

“I am grateful to our Director of Athletics, Allen Greene, and our administration, Dr. Jay Gogue, General Burgess and Rich McGlynn, for their continued commitment to Auburn Basketball and helping us build a competitive program,” Pearl said. “My intent when I came to Auburn was to have enough success for this to be my last coaching job.

“My family and I love Auburn University, the proud tradition, our alumni, student and fan support, as well as the close-knit community we have here on the Plains. I am grateful to all of my players, coaches and support staff for making history. Auburn will be our family’s forever home. I am humbled and blessed to be your head coach for a very long time. War Eagle!”

This season, Pearl has led Auburn to a 19-1 record and a perfect 8-0 start against SEC opponents. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the national polls for the first time in the program’s history.