Steven Pearl Returns to Tennessee as Auburn Head Coach

Pearl reflects on his time as a player at Tennessee ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Vols.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:31pm

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Steven Pearl, the new head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team, is preparing to return to his alma mater Tennessee for the first time as a head coach. Pearl, who played for the Vols from 2001-2005, spoke about the emotions of going back to Knoxville and the impact his time at Tennessee had on shaping his life and career.

Why it matters

This matchup between Auburn and Tennessee has added significance due to Pearl's history with the Volunteer program. As a former player and assistant coach, Pearl's return to Tennessee as the opposing head coach will be an intriguing storyline as the two SEC teams battle on the court.

The details

Pearl noted that his time at Tennessee was 'some of the best' of his life, as it 'shaped the man I am today.' He met his wife and many of his groomsmen during his playing days in Knoxville. However, Pearl also acknowledged that his father's termination as Tennessee's head coach ultimately led to the best thing happening to him - getting the head coaching job at Auburn.

  • Pearl was a senior on Bruce Pearl's final team at Tennessee in 2011.
  • Bruce Pearl was fired by Tennessee following the 2011 season due to NCAA recruiting violations.
  • Steven Pearl took over as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers this offseason after Bruce Pearl's retirement.

The players

Steven Pearl

The new head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team, who played at Tennessee from 2001-2005.

Bruce Pearl

Steven Pearl's father, who was the head coach at Tennessee before being fired in 2011 due to NCAA recruiting violations.

Rick Barnes

The current head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to make it about me. I've been there before as an assistant, so I don't think the emotions will be much different. I played five years there and gave all my blood, sweat and tears to that university, and had a lot of great times and won a lot of games.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach

“If they hadn't fired our asses, we wouldn't be here. So, like, the best thing that's ever happened to me is being in Auburn, too. I mean, I can't thank them enough for everything that happened in Knoxville. Best years of my life.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach

“I think, again, Steven has done a really good job. I think that they continue to get better all year, which that's what you're looking for. And (they're) playing with confidence. And he does, again, a terrific job of getting his guys where he wants them to be. And they're doing a lot of really good things.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between Pearl's Auburn Tigers and his alma mater Tennessee Volunteers will be an emotional one, as the new Auburn head coach returns to the place that shaped him both as a player and a person. Despite the personal connection, Pearl is focused on leading his team to victory and continuing Auburn's recent hot streak.