Former Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl will wear a slightly different shade of orange next year. The Auburn Tigers have hired Pearl, who’s three-year show-cause penalty will expire in August, to lead their basketball program.

“I am excited to welcome Coach Bruce Pearl to the Auburn family,” Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs said. “From the moment I met Coach Pearl and heard his vision for our basketball program, it was clear he’s the right man at the right time for Auburn. Coach Pearl is a proven winner who will bring energy and excitement to our program. We have raised the bar for Auburn basketball, and I could not be more excited for our student-athletes and our future under Coach Pearl’s leadership. I know he agrees with me – it’s time to win.”

Pearl is still serving out his punishment for lying to the NCAA and having impermissible contact with recruits—violations which ultimately led to his firing at Tennessee. He will not be able to participate in any recruiting activities until August.

Auburn does not have to appear in front of the committee on infractions for hiring Pearl so long as they agree with Pearl’s recruiting restrictions set to expire in five months.  

“I’m humbled and blessed to 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. I’m thrilled to join the Auburn family and appreciative of this opportunity and the challenge that awaits.”

In 10 years as a D-1 head coach, Pearl’s teams won 70% of their games (231-99) and appeared in the NCAA Tournament eight times.

The Tigers won less than 40% of their games under Tony Barbee, who was fired less than a week ago. Auburn hasn’t appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 2003.

Tennessee and Auburn will meet in Knoxville next season under the SEC’s current schedule.

Analysis: Pearl is a home run hire for Auburn and for the SEC as a whole. He’s a proven winner who’s familiar with the SEC and no stranger to coaching a basketball program at a “football school.” Pearl will have to rebuild a thin roster and won’t be able to do much on the recruiting trail before next season; he will win at Auburn—but it may take a year or two. Look for his former assistant head coach Tony Jones to join his staff. His son, Steven Pearl, is also a candidate to join him at Auburn.