Until I hear it from Bruce Pearl himself, it is all rumor and conjecture. All we have is a report from a group of knuckle-heads and sportswriters. Just think back before Butch was hired, we had word that we could take to the bank that Gruden had been hired. It came from a source on the inside that it was a done deal.
I am sure the Auburn fans hope it is Pearl. I am also sure that the sites will say anything to get them and keep them on-line or listening. That is how they make money.
Do I know Pearl is not negotiating with Auburn? No.
Do I think Pearl will take the first job offered? No
Do I think Pearl can do better than Auburn? Yes.
That is JMO and I have been wrong before. I also do not care because I cannot get upset over things I have no control over.
I hope he doesn't go to Auburn and certainly hope you are correct. However, Pearl reportedly was on JOX radio in B'ham Friday and said he was interested in the Auburn job. Some posters on the Auburn 247 site say it probably won't happen since they are an Under-Armour school, and consequently at a disadvantage in recruiting with Nike schools, and to a smaller extent with Adidas, due to their ties with AAU basketball. I do know UT is a Adidas school, and while their pull with players is as not as great as Nike, it sure seems it didn't hurt Pearl at UT. Anyway, as I said, I hope you are right.
BG