Pearl, Pitino Named Co-Coaches of Year in Historic Tie

Auburn's Bruce Pearl and St. John's Rick Pitino made history by becoming the first coaches to jointly win the Associated Press Coach of the Year award, which has been presented since 1967. Both coaches received 20 votes, with their successful seasons highlighted by Pearl leading Auburn to a program-record 32 wins and a return to the Final Four, while Pitino revitalized St. John's, achieving 31 wins and a Big East title in his second year. This marks Pitino as the first St. John's coach to earn the accolade and the second for Pearl, who previously won it in 1999. Despite their achievements, Pitino's team faced disappointment with a second-round exit from the NCAA tournament, while Pearl's squad is poised for a shot at the national championship. The recognition underscores the significant turnaround both programs have experienced under their leadership. Pearl's and Pitino's coaching legacies continue to grow, reflecting their impactful tenures in college basketball.