The Auburn Tigers are coming off a fantastic season that saw them reach the Final Four, where they eventually fell to the National Champion, Florida. Under head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have achieved significant success. Last season, they silenced many critics who doubted their ability to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
“Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee seem like the most dangerous SEC teams equipped to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn can beat you with any style but seems likelier to play nip-and-tuck games from here on out with opponents' advanced scouting,” wrote Brandon Marcello.
Recruiting from the transfer portal wasn’t easy for Pearl, as Auburn was still competing deep into the tournament when the portal opened. Success, as it turns out, comes with its own set of challenges.
“We are reaching out (to prospects) and saying, ‘Look, we are busy right now. If you’re still available come Tuesday, we have some interest.’ I do recognize that everybody else in my league is on a private plane 12 hours a day recruiting,” Ross Dellenger posted.
Pearl remains a players' coach and continues to show passion for the game, even at this later stage of his career. Though he's aging, his energy and enthusiasm haven't faded. However, a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein has sparked speculation about his future.
“Not that much longer Jon. I think it's kind of a balance of life, of time, of work. I love Auburn, I truly do. I want to do it when I am on top of my game. We owe that to our players and our fans. As you get a little bit older, you take it one day at a time,” Pearl said to Rothstein.
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Pearl certainly seems to be hinting at a departure in the near future. Despite being at the peak of his coaching career after leading Auburn to a Final Four, his comments suggest retirement could come within the next few years. For Tigers fans, that possibility could be cause for concern.