Auburn Basketball’s Bruce Pearl was awarded his fourth SEC Coach of the Year honors Monday afternoon. It’s the second time he’s won it while coaching at Auburn.

Pearl is now tied with John Calipari and Joe B. Hall for the third-most SEC Coach of the Year honors in league history. Only Adolph Rupp and C.M. Newton has won it more times.

“It is great to be recognized by your peers,” Pearl said while accepting his award. “I got so much respect for the league and the coaches in it. To earn their respect for the job this team did this year, both in the nonconference and conference play is something I am grateful for.”

Pearl’s family had the privilege to announce the news to him as two of his granddaughters surprised the Tigers coach in the process.

“I saw you guys come in and I went why are my grandbabies here,” Pearl said in a social media clip while receiving the news. “Is it because they love me. What have we done to deserve this.”

Pearl led the Tigers to a 27-4 overall record and a regular season conference title this season. He currently sits as the all-time winningest coach in Auburn history with 227 career wins.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at [email protected].