Bruce Pearl earned arguably the most prestigious of a long list of personal accolades Friday, being named AP National Coach of the Year.

He won the award alongside St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino, the first time in the award’s history that the vote has been split between two coaches.

After the award was announced, Pearl and Pitino had a chance to speak with the assembled media and Pearl reflected on what the honor means to him.

“It’s an honor, especially when you look at the people that you share that honor with,” Pearl said. “It is historic. We do want to try to make history. We try to make good history. And so that’s why it’s so important. But it is a reflection of the incredible hard work and efforts of my staff. You want to judge me, judge me by the men and women I surround myself with. Judge me by my staff.”

Pitino also praised Pearl when he had a chance to speak, calling it a “special treat” to share the award with him.

“Admired him since he’s been a young coach. Admired him as a middle-aged coach. I know I admire him as an older coach,” Pitino said. “Bruce has been one of my favorites in coaching for a long, long time. He wins every place he’s been, but he wins with his players having fun with a great style of play.”

With the personal accolade in hand, Pearl will now try to lead Auburn to the ultimate prize this weekend in the Final Four.

That challenge starts with a rematch against Florida in the first of two national semifinals on Saturday. That game is set to tip off at 5:09 p.m. and will be televised on CBS.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m