'My job is to help Auburn be better': Bruce Pearl delivers message of support for Auburn athletics
AUBURN — The most popular head coach on the Auburn campus has a message in the aftermath of the John Cohen hiring as Athletics Director and the firing of Bryan Harsin as head football coach.
“My job is to help Auburn be better, to help John be better, to help Rich (McGlynn) be better,” Pearl said on Tuesday as his basketball team prepares for its exhibition against University of Alabama-Huntsville on Wednesday night.
Pearl went on to say if SEC commissioner Greg Sankey thinks highly of Cohen, which he does, then that’s a fairly meaningful endorsement.
Top-down alignment is critical for the university right now. It hasn’t always been there, but the last two years have produced an environment that could create the results that the Auburn faithful have wanted for years.
Following Cohen’s hire, Pearl was quoted in the university’s official release saying:
“John has won championships at the highest level both as a coach and as an administrator and knows how to win. Given his experience as a Southeastern Conference Athletic Director and knowing he’s empowering Rich McGlynn, this is the best of both worlds. I’m excited about our new leadership team. It’s time for the Auburn family to come together as we move forward.”
Those who know Pearl understand his message is fairly simple, and blunt: Shut up and support the university and its leadership. That’s his honest opinion, one the Auburn faithful might take note of.
When Pearl was asked his stance regarding providing input to president Chris Roberts, Pearl said, “I’ll always give my opinion, but I’m not going to give it until I’m asked.”
John Cohen takes over as Auburn AD
President Roberts tabbed Cohen as the school’s next athletics director on Monday. Cohen has been the AD at Mississippi State since 2016, after serving as the school’s baseball coach for eight seasons.
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TALK ABOUT IT ON THE CORNER MESSAGE BOARD
“John has a wealth of experience in college athletics, particularly in the Southeastern Conference and his resume and references are impeccable,” Roberts said. “His leadership and success as a head coach and an athletic director speak for themselves. John will embrace Auburn and be a tremendous leader for our athletics program as we move forward.”
Sources tell Auburn Live that Auburn representatives and Cohen met during the week of October 23 at an off-site location.
“I’m extremely grateful to President Roberts for the opportunity to be the next director of athletics at Auburn University,” Cohen said. “Auburn is an incredibly special place as is demonstrated by the hall of fame coaches and athletes that have been a part of its storied history. I understand the traditions and values at Auburn and look forward to continuing those traditions. I’m humbled and honored to be joining the Auburn family.”
Rich McGlynn has been elevated to deputy athletics director and will serve as the No. 2 in command within Auburn athletics.
The decision to hire Roberts comes after substantial pushback from influential Auburn power brokers, and some head coaches, after the news of Cohen’s impending hire was made public on Saturday. Sources tell Auburn Live that Roberts fielded phone calls Saturday night and into Sunday, listening and hearing feedback, mostly in opposition of the hire.
In the end, Roberts stuck to his guns and hired his preferred candidate in Cohen.
