Bruce Pearl has solidified his status as one of college basketball’s most charismatic and successful head coaches. Known for his hoarse voice, sideline energy, and relentless pursuit of championships, Pearl has transformed Auburn University’s basketball program into an SEC powerhouse. While his coaching success is well-known, his personal life—especially his bond with his wife Brandy and their involvement in the Auburn community—is equally compelling.
As of 2025, Bruce Pearl’s estimated net worth is approximately $12 million, largely derived from his coaching salary, performance bonuses, and entrepreneurial ventures outside of basketball.
Coaching Career: From Humble Beginnings to Auburn Stardom
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1960, Bruce Pearl is now 64 years old and has been coaching for over four decades. A Boston College graduate, Pearl began his coaching career with assistant positions at Stanford and Iowa before landing his first head coaching role at Southern Indiana, a Division II school, where he won a national championship in 1995.
His journey continued at Milwaukee and later at the University of Tennessee, where he brought national attention to the Volunteers, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and an SEC regular-season title. However, Pearl’s road wasn’t without turbulence, as his tenure at Tennessee ended amid NCAA violations.
Since taking over at Auburn in 2014, Pearl has revived the Tigers’ basketball fortunes. The highlight came in 2019 when he led Auburn to its first-ever Final Four appearance, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in Auburn athletics. Under Pearl’s leadership, Auburn has become a consistent NCAA Tournament contender and a breeding ground for NBA talent.
Bruce Pearl’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Pearl’s coaching contract with Auburn, which includes base salary, bonuses, and incentives, contributes significantly to his net worth. With his annual compensation package reportedly exceeding $5 million in 2025, Pearl ranks among the highest-paid coaches in college basketball.
His total estimated net worth of $12 million also includes income from endorsement deals, public speaking engagements, and investments outside of sports.
First Marriage to Kim Shrigley
Bruce Pearl was previously married to Kim Shrigley (formerly Kim Pearl). The couple married in 1982 and spent 25 years together before divorcing in 2007. Kim made headlines in 2008 when she opened a nail salon in Knoxville, Tennessee, called “Alimony’s,” a subtle jab at her high-profile divorce from Pearl. The salon operated until 2013.
In interviews, Kim expressed that the business was meant to empower women going through similar experiences, stating, “I want them to have had a nice experience and see that you can go through some horrible stuff and come out on top.”
Bruce Pearl’s Wife Brandy Pearl
Shortly after his divorce, Bruce Pearl began dating Brandy Miller, a native of Sevierville, Tennessee. The two married on August 29, 2009, and have been inseparable ever since. Brandy has embraced the Auburn community alongside her husband, and the couple has made Alabama their home.
Outside of basketball, Bruce and Brandy are passionate about animals. They co-own two pet-focused businesses: Grove Bark Inn, a luxury dog resort, and Zoom to Groom, a mobile pet grooming service, with their business partners Steve and April Harper. Pearl often humorously admits that he occasionally plays “second fiddle” to their dog Stewy when it comes to Brandy’s affections.
Bruce Pearl’s Children and Family
Pearl is a devoted father to four children—daughters Jacqui and Leah, and sons Steven and Michael—from his first marriage to Kim Shrigley. His son Steven Pearl serves as an assistant coach on his staff at Auburn, carrying on the family’s basketball legacy.
Leah Pearl has also carved out a name for herself as a media professional, working with Turner Sports and NBA on TNT. Pearl frequently expresses his pride in his children on social media, highlighting his commitment to family despite the demands of coaching.
Life in Auburn and Community Engagement
Pearl has fully embraced Auburn, Alabama, as more than just a workplace—it’s home. Known for his involvement in community events, fundraisers, and local initiatives, Pearl has become a beloved figure beyond the basketball court. He and Brandy’s business ventures in the pet care space further tie them to the community.
The Pearls are often seen at charity functions and local Auburn events, reinforcing Bruce’s philosophy of prioritizing family and community alongside his coaching duties.
Coaching Philosophy and Auburn’s Rise
Pearl has emphasized resilience and adaptability as pillars of Auburn’s basketball identity. His teams are known for their grit and ability to play through adversity, a philosophy that has guided Auburn to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances under his leadership.
From the bottom of the SEC to a perennial contender, Pearl’s Auburn Tigers now regularly produce NBA-caliber talent, including 2019 Final Four star Jared Harper and 2022 NBA Draft lottery pick Jabari Smith Jr.
Conclusion
Bruce Pearl’s story is one of personal and professional triumph. Whether it’s leading Auburn basketball to national prominence, supporting his family, or building businesses with his wife Brandy, Pearl exemplifies resilience, loyalty, and leadership.
As Auburn remains a fixture in March Madness and Pearl continues to impact the broader community, his influence reaches far beyond the hardwood. A net worth of $12 million is only part of Bruce Pearl’s legacy; the relationships he fosters with players, family, and his Auburn community define who he is.
