WATCH: Jay Bilas explains how Bruce Pearl overhauled the perception of Auburn basketball

Bruce Pearl has taken Auburn to new heights over recent seasons, first securing the first Final Four berth in school history during the 2019 season, then bringing his 2021 squad to the top of the AP Poll for the first time ever. The remarkable success earned him a contract extension last month and has cemented his legacy with the Tigers.

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas recently covered one of Auburn’s impressive wins, and posted a video on Twitter with his thoughts about Bruce Pearl’s remarkable achievements.

I think what @coachbrucepearl is doing is one of the most remarkable coaching jobs that I have witnessed during my time at ESPN. https://t.co/30cU2FVi3B pic.twitter.com/ufq1VgY85u

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) February 3, 2022

“That program, Bruce just got a lifetime contract – in part thanks to Louisville and Maryland I guess – but 10 years ago that would’ve been looked at as a life sentence,” said Bilas. He’s turned that into a place where you’re going, ‘why wouldn’t somebody come here?’ And I’m not sure I would’ve thought that before he got there.

“I knew he’d do well – and Alabama fans knew he’d do well too – I remember being at the Birmingham Tip-Off Club when Bruce got hired and all the Alabama fans were like, ‘uh oh.’ But I don’t think they even envisioned this, like the 2019 Final Four and then the No. 1 ranking this year. I think it’s one of the remarkable coaching jobs I’ve witnessed during my time at ESPN, honestly.”

Despite coaching at a self-proclaimed football school, Pearl has helped create not only a winning basketball team, but a winning culture. Improved facilities and one of the loudest student sections in the country have helped take Auburn to the next level.

Bruce Pearl on contract extension

Since coming to Auburn, Pearl has led the Tigers to two NCAA Tournament appearances. 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 after receiving the extension. “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!”