Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl Gets Emotional About Late Dad After SEC Tournament Win

Getty Image / Andy Lyons

The Auburn Men’s Basketball team stormed through the SEC Tournament in impressive fashion this week, and they really improved their seed in the process.

The Tigers thoroughly beat Florida on Sunday in the finals of the SEC Tournament. 86-67, to likely end up as a three-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. But, the big story coming out of the game is head coach Bruce Pearl getting emotional about his late dad following the victory.

Bruce Pearl’s dad, Bernie, passed way last August at the age of 88. Father and son were close, and after the win, Pearl spoke about his father and his emotions.

I lost my dad back in August. He was my biggest fan This is for these kids. But, how about the way Auburn showed up today? But for me, I gotta think about my father. And I’m just happy for players. We played great. Florida’s a terrific opponent. That’s why I’m so emotional. I wish he was here.

My dad worked six days a week, he prayed on the seventh. We didn’t have a lot, but we had enough. I thought my dad was, like, the best. So I just I wish every kid has that. And that’s one of the reasons why I’m so hard on these guys. My dad held me to a high standard, and I hold these guys to a high standard.

Wise words from Bruce Pearl, who is now going to try to win the national championship for the first time in his illustrious coaching career. Pearl took Auburn to the Final Four back in 2019, where they lost a one-point heartbreaker to eventual champion Virginia. The former Tennessee head coach has turned Auburn into one of the nation’s most consistent programs since he was hired in 2014. After three mediocre seasons to start his tenure, they’ve been an NCAA Tournament team every year since.

Pearl is closing on 700 wins, as he’s currently at 673 career victories at stops like Southern Indiana, UW-Milwaukee, Tennessee, and Auburn.