NASHVILLE – University of Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl leaped from the sports to the political arena today to endorse Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s Republican bid for governor.
Mr. Pearl joined Mr. Haslam at a Sevier County political event and discussed the role of leadership during difficult times.
“I talk about raising expectations, focusing on positives and building confidence,” he said, according to a Haslam campaign release. “I talk about work ethic. I talk about ethics. It’s all about leadership.”
“Anybody can sail the ship when seas are calm and everything is favorable. …You’ve got to prepare people for the worst times.”
Mr. Pearl recently completed his fifth season as UT’s basketball coach, leading the Vols to a 126-46 record.
Mr. Haslam said Mr. Pearl “made an immediate impact” on UT’s basketball program and the Knoxville community.
The coach’s “ability to communicate is unparalleled, and I look forward to and am thankful for his help as the campaign progresses,” the mayor said.
It was unclear when the last time a major public university coach in Tennessee endorsed a political candidate occurred.
Also running in the Aug. 5 GOP primary are U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.