Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Auburn's Bruce Pearl goes viral for reaction to reporter after Tigers' loss to the Tennessee Vols

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Mar 16, 2025 11:07 AM ET

Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl is no stranger to dropping a great quote.

Pearl, in fact, managed to go viral a couple of times during the SEC Tournament this week thanks to some "memorable" quotes.

On Friday, after Auburn's win against Ole Miss, Pearl blew up the internet due to his crass description of his guards.

Pearl again went viral on Saturday, after Auburn's loss to the Tennessee Vols, thanks to his reaction to a reporter's question about whether the Tigers are panicked after losing three of their last four games.

"I’m really glad you asked me that question," said Pearl. "We lost to Alabama, Tennessee, and at Texas A&M. Yeah, we’re panicked. What kind of a -- that’s a real softball.

"We lost to some great teams. We lost at the buzzer against Alabama. We had possessions here. So yeah, we’re panicked. I can hardly wait until next weekend to start playing again. Let’s get to Sunday, let's find out where we’re going, let's find out who we’re playing, and let’s get back to work. I’m looking forward, not back."

Bruce Pearl’s answer when asked about Auburn losing three of its last four games was…a classic. pic.twitter.com/7bLTpupGA4
— Auburn Tigers | AL.com (@aldotcomTigers) March 15, 2025

Pearl clearly wasn't a fan of that question -- even though it was a question that had to be asked. Auburn certainly didn't want to lose three of their final four games before the start of the NCAA Tournament.

At the same time, Pearl is right that Auburn lost to some good teams. The SEC was tough this season and Auburn played a couple of really tough games to end the season.

I'm sure Pearl will have his team ready to make a deep NCAA Tournament run. But those losses at the end of the season show that while Auburn's a championship-caliber team, there's no guarantee that the Tigers will even make it to the Final Four, let alone win it all.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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