A TOP college NCAA coach has abruptly quit just weeks before the start of the new season.
Bruce Pearl is regarded as one of the best in the basketball business, having taken Auburn to great heights.
He joined the since in 2014 after spells with Tennessee and Milwaukee.
And he led Auburn to the semis of last season’s NCAA Division finals.
However, Pearl has now shocked his side by quitting without any warning.
The veteran has decided to retire completely from basketball.
The new college season is just around the corner.
And Peal’s son Steve, who has been serving as associate head coach, will now replace him as Auburn’s No1.
Pearl bid farewell to his beloved side in a heartbreaking statement.
He said: “I’ve been part of college basketball for almost 50 years and the truth is it’s time.
“I told myself when I got to the point I could not give it my all, where I wasn’t necessarily 100 per cent or couldn’t be the relentless competitor that you expected of me, then it was going to be time.
“And as hard as it is to say, I reached the realization that it’s time to step aside.”
As well as last season’s Final Four appearance, Pearl took the Tigers to the promised land in 2019 too.
In total, Auburn reached six NCAA Tournaments.
And they carried to top overall seed for last year’s event with a record of 28-5.
