Bruce Pearl and Todd Golden are set for a reunion when their teams meet in the semifinals of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship (Final Four). The two coaches have remained close friends since they played together on the Maccabi Games team in 2006, in Australia. Golden now serves as the head coach of Florida, while Pearl leads Auburn.
The conversation between Golden and Pearl months ago sparked hope that their teams would meet in San Antonio for the Final Four. “We both ended up here,” said Pearl. “It’s pretty cool.”
Golden, who was an assistant under Bruce Pearl at Auburn from 2014 to 2016, has built a strong foundation with his own team, including winning the SEC tournament and earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
In the teams’ only meeting this season, Florida defeated Auburn by nine points in February. However, Golden expects a different outcome on Saturday night. “Someone’s year will end,” he said, acknowledging that one of their years will come to an end.
Despite the competitive nature of their matchup, both coaches value their friendship and the strong bond they share. “We’ve tracked and cheered each other’s success this season,” Golden said. With Auburn having reached the Final Four for the second time in six years, Pearl is proud of his team’s achievement, while also acknowledging the importance of his relationship with Golden.
Their teams have experienced a full circle moment as both squads are now in the elite ranks of college basketball. The outcome of Saturday night’s game will determine which year ends in triumph.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2025/04/04/bruce-pearl-todd-golden-final-four-auburn-florida/82884294007