AUBURN, June 27, 2025 — Auburn University men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl, already celebrated as the 2025 Associated Press Coach of the Year, has added a philanthropic accolade to his impressive résumé: he has been named the 2025 College Basketball Philanthropy Icon, recognizing his significant contributions both on and off the court.
Coach of the Year Recognition
Earlier this spring, Pearl shared the prestigious AP Coach of the Year award with St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino—marking the first tie in the award’s 58‑year history. Both coaches earned 20 votes apiece from a national panel. Pearl, 65, earned the honor after guiding Auburn to a school‑record 32 wins, clinching the SEC regular-season title, securing the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, and carrying the Tigers to their second-ever Final Four. He also previously received the national honor from the National Association of Basketball Coaches earlier in April .
Philanthropy Icon Award
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to community service, Pearl was named the 2025 College Basketball Philanthropy Icon. The award, presented by a leading sports foundation (name pending official release), highlights his efforts in cancer prevention, youth development, and health screenings. Pearl has been deeply involved in charitable initiatives such as Auburn’s annual “OUTLIVE Game” and his longstanding partnership with the Mike Slive Foundation, which annually provides free prostate cancer PSA screenings to hundreds of men at Auburn events
A Legacy of Giving Back
Pearl’s philanthropic journey began long before his Auburn tenure. As an assistant and head coach at Tennessee, Washington, and Southern Indiana, he nurtured a culture of community engagement. At Auburn, he expanded these efforts significantly. He leveraged his platform to spotlight health causes, mental well-being, and education.
“I’m profoundly honored,” Pearl said at a celebratory event held at Auburn’s Neville Arena. “Basketball gives us a platform—but it’s what we do with that platform off the court that defines us. If I can help save lives, inspire a generation, and foster hope, then I’ve been doing my job.”
Community Impact
Under his leadership:
- Auburn held its sixth annual OUTLIVE PSA screening event, securing free prostate cancer tests for hundreds.
- The school has fostered partnerships with youth mentorship programs and health awareness campaigns.
- Pearl’s open support for mental health initiatives has helped normalize seeking help among student-athletes.
Looking Ahead
Pearl’s vision continues with upcoming clinics focused on health education and youth development scheduled across Alabama this summer. His dual recognition—on the court as a Coach of the Year and off the court as a Philanthropy Icon—cements him as a model of balanced leadership.
Bruce Pearl’s story is one of transformation: not only has he turned Auburn into a basketball powerhouse with historic wins, but he has also made an extraordinary commitment to caring for people beyond the hardwood.
