Sources: Louisville Cardinals show early interest in Bruce Pearl

Louisville has reached out to Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl about its new vacancy, according to Auburn Live’s Justin Hokanson. The job came open earlier this week after a quick split between the school and former coach Chris Mack.

Bruce Pearl’s name has been linked with several openings from the start of the season, including Maryland and now Louisville. His success at Auburn has sent the message that he can recruit and win anywhere with his current staff and support from the administration.

Many reports, including that of Auburn Live, doubt any potential move from Pearl and his staff. However, interest from blue blood programs can serve as a great bargaining chip to sort out any issues he sees with his current contract or job.

Pearl currently makes right around $4 million annually and his contract runs through 2023-24. Rick Barnes at Tennessee makes close to $5 million. Chris Beard at Texas makes $5 million. Jay Wright at Villanova makes $6 million.

“That’s where Pearl needs to be, at the minimum,” wrote Hokanson.

The Tigers have won a SEC regular season championship, a conference tournament championship, made the Final Four, finished second in the league standings, and reached No. 1 in the AP poll over the last five seasons. Auburn also has 112 wins over the last five seasons. No program in the SEC has won more over that time period.

One other sticking point between Pearl and the Auburn administration has been the construction of a stand-alone men’s basketball facility. This reported interest from rival schools could be the final push needed to convince the school hierarchy to sign off on anything required. According to Hokanson, that topic will be discussed in the next Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 4.

Bruce Pearl on Louisville job

During an interview with “Keyshawn, J-Will and Max” on ESPN Radio, Pearl addressed the speculation. Jay Williams asked Pearl for his thoughts about being linked to Louisville.

Pearl was quick to clarify that he was at a basketball school at Tennessee — albeit a women’s basketball school. Then, he went on to answer the core of Williams’ question.

“Listen, when you win, folks are worried you’re going to leave,” Pearl said. “When you’re losing, they’re packing your bags. … Look, Auburn is a fabulous place and it’s been the best place that I’ve ever been where I can develop players. It’s a small college town, kids come here to grind, they’re around other student-athletes that are trying to grind.”