What should be clear is that what some assumed before — some coaches only won because they broke the rules — wasn’t true.

Here's a look back at what led to Pearl's firing in 2011 and why the NCAA handed down such a harsh punishment at the time.

Tennessee and Auburn were on opposing sides. The Vols and Tigers battling in the SEC Tournament semifinals at Bridgestone ...

Sunday's meeting between Auburn and Michigan State won't be the first time Pearl and Izzo have faced off in the Elite Eight ...

This isn't the first time these coaches have met with a final four on the line. Last time, it came down to free throws in the ...

Tom Izzo and Bruce Pearl have coached against each other in the Elite Eight. You would have to go back 15 years to identify ...

He enjoys good company within that conversation. Houston’s Kelvin Sampson, Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes ...

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl made a surprising comment about Tennessee fans before both teams play in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Bruce Pearl is hoping for a little love ...

The No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers entered the NCAA Tournament as the top overall team in the entire field, despite a sluggish ...

Bruce Pearl has been synonymous with Auburn ... From 2005 to 2011, Pearl was the head coach at Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers to the NCAA tournament each year he was at the helm.

Pearl, who was fired by Tennessee in 2011 and hired by Auburn ... At least, that's what they insist. "Bruce and I are friends," Izzo said. "But the game will be won by the players.