Auburn Tigers name Bruce Pearl head coach

The Auburn Tigers hired Bruce Pearl, who made six NCAA Tournaments at Tennessee before being fired for recruiting violations, as their next basketball coach on Tuesday.

“I’m humbled and blessed to be back in the game that I love,” Pearl said. “I don’t know how long it will take, but it’s time to rebuild the Auburn basketball program and bring it to a level of excellence so many of the other teams on campus enjoy.”

Pearl, 54, was fired in 2011 after taking Tennessee to the NCAA Tournament in each of his six seasons. He has worked for ESPN as an analyst the past two years.

Auburn fired Tony Barbee last week after the Tigers finished 14-16 and 6-12 in the SEC. He was 49-75 in four seasons at Auburn.