“Breaking: After Bruce Pearl won Coach of the Year, Netflix Releases Documentary on Auburn Tigers Basketball Journey.”
In a year defined by resilience, grit, and leadership, the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team has been thrust into the national spotlight once more. Just days after head coach Bruce Pearl was named National Coach of the Year, Netflix released a compelling new documentary titled “Pearl’s Tigers: The Auburn Uprising,” chronicling the program’s inspiring journey from overlooked to overachievers. The release marks a celebratory moment not only for the team and its fans but for the broader world of college basketball.
From grueling practices and emotional team meetings to the roar of The Jungle inside Neville Arena, Netflix’s deep dive into the Tigers’ 2024–25 season captures the essence of a team that refused to back down. Pearl’s fiery passion, the players’ unbreakable bond, and the unforgettable highs and lows of the season are brought to life in this stirring six-episode series.
What makes “Pearl’s Tigers” resonate is the authenticity of the storyline. Auburn wasn’t expected to contend this season. After losing several key contributors to the NBA Draft and the transfer portal, analysts pegged the Tigers as a team in transition. Instead, they turned adversity into opportunity, finishing the regular season 26-7 and making an inspiring run in the NCAA Tournament.
Bruce Pearl’s ability to galvanize a young, hungry roster didn’t go unnoticed. The National Association of Basketball Coaches named him the 2025 Coach of the Year—his first national coaching honor and a long-overdue recognition for a man who has redefined what it means to lead a college basketball program in the SEC.
Netflix executives, who had followed Pearl’s coaching style and Auburn’s dynamic culture over recent years, reportedly began discussions to produce the documentary midway through the season. Once the Tigers secured a spot in the Elite Eight, the project was greenlit—and what followed was unprecedented access to one of the most riveting seasons in school history.
Each episode of the series peels back the curtain on Auburn’s rise and Pearl’s evolution as both coach and mentor.
This episode sets the foundation, focusing on preseason skepticism and the internal rebuilding of team chemistry. It features raw footage from the summer weight room sessions and behind-the-scenes interviews with Bruce Pearl, strength coach Damon Davis, and several assistant coaches.
A turning point. Auburn’s raucous home crowd at Neville Arena—known as “The Jungle”—is portrayed as a sixth man. Viewers experience the Tigers’ early upset win over Kentucky, a game that Pearl calls “a defining moment for our identity.”
Delving into Pearl’s fiery coaching style, the third episode explores his animated sideline demeanor and his emotional investment in his players’ growth. Assistant coach Wes Flanigan and team captain K.D. Johnson discuss Pearl’s trust and mentorship, framing him as both disciplinarian and father figure.
The team’s midseason slump—fueled by road losses and minor injuries—is handled with care. The episode showcases team meetings, film sessions, and a locker-room confrontation that sparked a six-game winning streak heading into March.
Arguably the emotional high point, this episode recounts Auburn’s unforgettable run through the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament’s early rounds. From buzzer-beaters to locker-room celebrations, the Tigers’ momentum becomes palpable.
The final episode ties it all together. Interviews with former Auburn stars like Jabari Smith, Isaac Okoro, and Charles Barkley underscore the cultural shift Pearl has spearheaded. The Coach of the Year announcement serves as the series finale’s crescendo, marking a moment of validation for a team—and a leader—that defied expectations.
Pearl’s journey is the emotional spine of the documentary. Over the past decade, he has built Auburn into a powerhouse, blending tenacity with a genuine love for his players. From reviving the Tigers’ recruiting pipeline to instilling a winning mentality, Pearl’s fingerprints are all over the program’s renaissance.
His relationship with players is a focal point in the documentary. One particularly touching scene shows him in a postgame embrace with senior guard Denver Jones, who had battled through injury to return for the tournament push.
“Coach never gave up on us,” Jones says in the documentary. “Even when we were down, he believed. That belief made us play harder than we ever thought we could.”
Another emotional beat comes from Pearl’s own home, where his wife Brandy and their children reflect on the sacrifices of a coaching family. The scene brings rare vulnerability from a coach often seen as larger than life.
Within hours of its release, “Pearl’s Tigers” trended nationally on social media. Fans flooded forums and comment sections with praise for the production’s authenticity and emotional weight.
“I’ve never cried watching a basketball documentary—until now,” wrote one user on Reddit’s r/CollegeBasketball. “This wasn’t just about wins. It was about brotherhood, grit, and redemption.”
Critics have also taken notice. Sports Illustrated called the series “a riveting blend of sports and storytelling,” while ESPN’s Seth Greenberg tweeted, “Bruce Pearl gets his flowers in this one. A masterclass in leadership.”
Even rival coaches have expressed admiration. Alabama’s Nate Oats, Pearl’s SEC rival, publicly congratulated him on the Coach of the Year honor and acknowledged the documentary’s impact on raising the profile of SEC basketball.
More than just a chronicle of wins and losses, “Pearl’s Tigers” is a showcase of Auburn University’s proud culture. From pregame rituals to campus traditions like rolling Toomer’s Corner, viewers are immersed in the identity that fuels the team.
“It’s a love letter to Auburn,” said executive producer Rebecca Law, a former ESPN producer. “The energy, the student section, the way the whole town wraps its arms around the team—it’s something we felt needed to be shared with the world.”
The docuseries even includes an episode segment on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and how Auburn’s forward-thinking strategy helped keep key players like Johni Broome and Aden Holloway from leaving. Interviews with athletic director John Cohen and compliance staffers provide insight into how Auburn has adapted to the modern era of college athletics.
The success of “Pearl’s Tigers” could have lasting implications. Recruiting is already seeing a boost, with several 2026 top-50 prospects reportedly reaching out to Auburn’s staff in the days following the documentary’s release.
“This kind of exposure is invaluable,” one SEC assistant coach told The Athletic. “Kids today want to see themselves on that stage, and Bruce just gave them a front-row seat.”
For Netflix, the success of the docuseries adds to a growing portfolio of sports documentaries. Following hits like The Last Dance, Quarterback, and Untold, “Pearl’s Tigers” may be the start of a deeper dive into college basketball storytelling.
Sources close to the production team have hinted that other programs are already in talks with Netflix for similar treatment in the coming years.
With Coach of the Year honors now attached to his résumé, Bruce Pearl enters the offseason with an even bigger target on his back—but also with more credibility than ever. Though early NBA Draft entries will shape the 2025–26 roster, Auburn is expected to be a preseason top-10 team, bolstered by a strong incoming recruiting class and potential transfer additions.
As Pearl puts it in the series’ final line: “We’re not finished. This is just the next chapter.”
Indeed, the story of Auburn basketball is far from over—but thanks to Netflix, fans can relive one of its most incredible seasons forever.
“Pearl’s Tigers: The Auburn Uprising” isn’t just a basketball documentary. It’s a story of belief in the face of doubt, of unity in the face of challenge, and of a coach whose passion changed a program’s trajectory. As fans and newcomers alike binge the series, one thing is clear: Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers have become more than contenders—they’ve become a cultural phenomenon.
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Just days after head coach Bruce Pearl was named National Coach of the Year, Netflix released a compelling new documentary titled “Pearl’s Tigers: The Auburn Uprising,” chronicling the program’s inspiring journey from overlooked to overachievers. The release marks a celebratory moment not only for the team and its fans but for the broader world of college basketball.
From grueling practices and emotional team meetings to the roar of The Jungle inside Neville Arena, Netflix’s deep dive into the Tigers’ 2024–25 season captures the essence of a team that refused to back down. Pearl’s fiery passion, the players’ unbreakable bond, and the unforgettable highs and lows of the season are brought to life in this stirring six-episode series.
What makes “Pearl’s Tigers” resonate is the authenticity of the storyline. Auburn wasn’t expected to contend this season. After losing several key contributors to the NBA Draft and the transfer portal, analysts pegged the Tigers as a team in transition. Instead, they turned adversity into opportunity, finishing the regular season 26-7 and making an inspiring run in the NCAA Tournament.
Bruce Pearl’s ability to galvanize a young, hungry roster didn’t go unnoticed. The National Association of Basketball Coaches named him the 2025 Coach of the Year—his first national coaching honor and a long-overdue recognition for a man who has redefined what it means to lead a college basketball program in the SEC.
Netflix executives, who had followed Pearl’s coaching style and Auburn’s dynamic culture over recent years, reportedly began discussions to produce the documentary midway through the season. Once the Tigers secured a spot in the Elite Eight, the project was greenlit—and what followed was unprecedented access to one of the most riveting seasons in school history.
Each episode of the series peels back the curtain on Auburn’s rise and Pearl’s evolution as both coach and mentor.
This episode sets the foundation, focusing on preseason skepticism and the internal rebuilding of team chemistry. It features raw footage from the summer weight room sessions and behind-the-scenes interviews with Bruce Pearl, strength coach Damon Davis, and several assistant coaches.
A turning point. Auburn’s raucous home crowd at Neville Arena—known as “The Jungle”—is portrayed as a sixth man. Viewers experience the Tigers’ early upset win over Kentucky, a game that Pearl calls “a defining moment for our identity.”
Delving into Pearl’s fiery coaching style, the third episode explores his animated sideline demeanor and his emotional investment in his players’ growth. Assistant coach Wes Flanigan and team captain K.D. Johnson discuss Pearl’s trust and mentorship, framing him as both disciplinarian and father figure.
The team’s midseason slump—fueled by road losses and minor injuries—is handled with care. The episode showcases team meetings, film sessions, and a locker-room confrontation that sparked a six-game winning streak heading into March.
Arguably the emotional high point, this episode recounts Auburn’s unforgettable run through the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament’s early rounds. From buzzer-beaters to locker-room celebrations, the Tigers’ momentum becomes palpable.
The final episode ties it all together. Interviews with former Auburn stars like Jabari Smith, Isaac Okoro, and Charles Barkley underscore the cultural shift Pearl has spearheaded. The Coach of the Year announcement serves as the series finale’s crescendo, marking a moment of validation for a team—and a leader—that defied expectations.
Pearl’s journey is the emotional spine of the documentary. Over the past decade, he has built Auburn into a powerhouse, blending tenacity with a genuine love for his players. From reviving the Tigers’ recruiting pipeline to instilling a winning mentality, Pearl’s fingerprints are all over the program’s renaissance.
His relationship with players is a focal point in the documentary. One particularly touching scene shows him in a postgame embrace with senior guard Denver Jones, who had battled through injury to return for the tournament push.
“Coach never gave up on us,” Jones says in the documentary. “Even when we were down, he believed. That belief made us play harder than we ever thought we could.”
Another emotional beat comes from Pearl’s own home, where his wife Brandy and their children reflect on the sacrifices of a coaching family. The scene brings rare vulnerability from a coach often seen as larger than life.
Within hours of its release, “Pearl’s Tigers” trended nationally on social media. Fans flooded forums and comment sections with praise for the production’s authenticity and emotional weight.
“I’ve never cried watching a basketball documentary—until now,” wrote one user on Reddit’s r/CollegeBasketball. “This wasn’t just about wins. It was about brotherhood, grit, and redemption.”
Critics have also taken notice. Sports Illustrated called the series “a riveting blend of sports and storytelling,” while ESPN’s Seth Greenberg tweeted, “Bruce Pearl gets his flowers in this one. A masterclass in leadership.”
Even rival coaches have expressed admiration. Alabama’s Nate Oats, Pearl’s SEC rival, publicly congratulated him on the Coach of the Year honor and acknowledged the documentary’s impact on raising the profile of SEC basketball.
More than just a chronicle of wins and losses, “Pearl’s Tigers” is a showcase of Auburn University’s proud culture. From pregame rituals to campus traditions like rolling Toomer’s Corner, viewers are immersed in the identity that fuels the team.
“It’s a love letter to Auburn,” said executive producer Rebecca Law, a former ESPN producer. “The energy, the student section, the way the whole town wraps its arms around the team—it’s something we felt needed to be shared with the world.”
The docuseries even includes an episode segment on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and how Auburn’s forward-thinking strategy helped keep key players like Johni Broome and Aden Holloway from leaving. Interviews with athletic director John Cohen and compliance staffers provide insight into how Auburn has adapted to the modern era of college athletics.
The success of “Pearl’s Tigers” could have lasting implications. Recruiting is already seeing a boost, with several 2026 top-50 prospects reportedly reaching out to Auburn’s staff in the days following the documentary’s release.
“This kind of exposure is invaluable,” one SEC assistant coach told The Athletic. “Kids today want to see themselves on that stage, and Bruce just gave them a front-row seat.”
For Netflix, the success of the docuseries adds to a growing portfolio of sports documentaries. Following hits like The Last Dance, Quarterback, and Untold, “Pearl’s Tigers” may be the start of a deeper dive into college basketball storytelling.
Sources close to the production team have hinted that other programs are already in talks with Netflix for similar treatment in the coming years.
With Coach of the Year honors now attached to his résumé, Bruce Pearl enters the offseason with an even bigger target on his back—but also with more credibility than ever. Though early NBA Draft entries will shape the 2025–26 roster, Auburn is expected to be a preseason top-10 team, bolstered by a strong incoming recruiting class and potential transfer additions.
As Pearl puts it in the series’ final line: “We’re not finished. This is just the next chapter.”
Indeed, the story of Auburn basketball is far from over—but thanks to Netflix, fans can relive one of its most incredible seasons forever.
“Pearl’s Tigers: The Auburn Uprising” isn’t just a basketball documentary. It’s a story of belief in the face of doubt, of unity in the face of challenge, and of a coach whose passion changed a program’s trajectory. As fans and newcomers alike binge the series, one thing is clear: Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers have become more than contenders—they’ve become a cultural phenomenon.
