Paul Finebaum ponders whether Bruce Pearl would ever consider a job outside of Auburn

As the coaching carousel begins to spin in college basketball, Bruce Pearl might be a name to pop up for certain jobs. Despite performing well on the Plains, he will continually be linked with big-time jobs. It’s part of the process but to this point, Pearl has never seriously entertained the idea of leaving Auburn.

Maybe there is a specific job out there Pearl would snatch the opportunity to coach at. However, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum believes Pearl is content where he is. Especially with the constant success he’s having, Pearl’s best shot at winning a national championship might be at Auburn.

“I think right now, Bruce Pearl is at an age where he’s interested in things other than ‘Let me grab another school and try to make it to the Final Four.’ He’s got a better shot at where he is. And I think there is a family element to it. Not only does he like it there, he’s been there, he’s established,” Finebaum said.

Pearl signed a contract extension when the Louisville job came open a few years ago. The Cardinals landed Kenny Payne but certainly went after Pearl. Former athletic director Allen Greene was able to get the head coach’s signature on the dotted line, though.

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.

Starting over somewhere else would restart the clock of getting back to an elite competitive level. Not just for Pearl himself either. Potentially his son as well.

“He’s got a son who may or may not be his replacement,” Finebaum said. “My guess is Bruce Pearl’s objective right now is to hand over the keys to his son as opposed to go elsewhere and start over.”

Steven Pearl has been on staff since his father was hired. He was promoted to Associate Head Coach in Aug. 2023 and is in the midst of his first season in the role. Once Pearl decides to leave Auburn, presumably to retire, the search for his replacement might not take too long.