Bruce Pearl Leads Jewish Coaches at Final Four Amidst Rising Antisemitism

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, alongside Florida's Todd Golden and Duke's Jon Scheyer, highlights the presence of three Jewish head coaches at the NCAA Final Four, a notable occurrence amid rising antisemitism. Pearl, the most outspoken about his Jewish identity and pro-Israel activism, has called for the release of American hostage Edan Alexander during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. His remarks have garnered attention, including a thank-you call from Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Despite their different levels of vocality regarding their faith, all three coaches share a connection to Israel through their careers. The significance of their representation is underscored by the current socio-political climate, with community leaders expressing pride in their achievements. Pearl's coaching style, characterized by embracing players' personalities and fostering a unique team dynamic, has contributed to Auburn's success.