Bruce Pearl Will Turn Auburn Tigers into Instant Winners

By Connor Muldowney
Bruce Pearl
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The Auburn Tigers made a serious move in the right direction on Tuesday. The university announced the hiring of former Tennessee Volunteers head coach Bruce Pearl despite the concern over his past NCAA scandal. Either way, the Tigers are sure to be winners within the first couple of years and Pearl could even turn them into SEC champs before our very eyes.

It’s always interesting to see how well a big-name coach does with a smaller program, but more often than not, it works out for the best. In fact, just take a look at Larry Brown with the SMU Mustangs — they have had their best team in years with him as head coach. Don’t forget Steve Fisher with the San Diego State Aztecs — they are a mainstay in the NCAA Tournament year after year.

Pearl will be the latest big-name coach to make a splash with a lesser-valued team. Auburn isn’t necessarily a basketball school and it hasn’t been in quite some time, spanning 11 years since its last appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

In fact, some could argue that Auburn is the opposite of a basketball school. Sure, the football team is good, but the basketball team is as mediocre as it gets. Not touching an NCAA Tournament since 2003, a conference title since 1999 and an Elite Eight since 1986, the Tigers need serious help winning.

Pearl will bring the Tigers back to the Tournament within the first couple of years. Once his recruits are in place, Auburn will no longer be an easy victory for the rest of the SEC.

Tony Barbee‘s firing was the best possible decision for the university as his 48-75 record with the school just wasn’t cutting it. Enter: Bruce Pearl’s career 462-145 record and two SEC Coach of the Year awards.

Auburn just got a steal.

Connor Muldowney is the Content Associate for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].

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