(Image Source: USA Today)
BY MATT NOONAN
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Former Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl has found a new job.
It's not what you'd expect.
Instead of taking a coaching gig in the NBA's Development League, Pearl will stay close to home and serve as Vice President of Marketing for H.T. Hackney.
What’s that?
A Tennessee-based wholesale grocery company.
USA Today says the irony of Pearl's new position is not lost:
“Having ruined his coaching career when he tried to sell the NCAA a bunch of baloney, Bruce Pearl now would like to help sell some food.”
Knoxille’s WATE reports -- Pearl is no stranger to his new line of work:
“Pearl will work with the company's sales and marketing staff. Now the coach admits this is going to be different, but he's got a Business Management degree from Boston College. So he's always had an interest in this kind of work.”
A Larry Brown Sports blogger doesn't expect Pearl's tenure at H.T. Hackney to last very long:
“Pearl is a guy who can do and say whatever he wants and still somehow be loved by the media... his shirtless, chest painted antics lead us to believe he loves the game as much as anyone else who coached at the Division 1 level... I think I would have a back-up plan in place if I were in charge of hiring at H.T. Hackney.”
Maybe he’s on to something.
ESPN's Andy Katz warns -- Pearl shouldn't stay away from the game for long if he has any aspirations of coaching again:
“We'll see where Bruce Pearl lands a year from now. If he's not broadcasting, or whether or not he takes another stab at the D-League -- but the longer he's away from the game, it might be harder to get back in.”
A Chattanooga Times Free Press Columnist agrees, and says it's only a matter of time before another team gives Pearl a second chance:
“After all, America loves a reformed sinner and Pearl can sell regret and redemption -- right down to the watery eyes -- better than anyone since Richard Nixon delivered his "Checkers" speech.”
One Deadspin blogger says if you thought you'd be seeing Pearl a lot less these days -- well, think again:
“The joke is on you if you thought Pearl would toil in obscurity during his NCAA ban... So, unless you plan on boycotting, like, potato chips, Bruce Pearl will win again. We just hope he has to wear an apron.”
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