AUBURN, Ala. – When Jack Meagher became Auburn’s football coach in 1934, one of his players was Joel Eaves, a three-year letterman.
The same Joel Eaves that Bruce Pearl would surpass nearly a century later to become Auburn’s all-time winningest basketball coach.
“An extraordinary connection across Auburn generations,” said Tom Meagher, Jack Meagher’s grandson, Saturday at Neville Arena.
During Auburn’s Homecoming weekend, the Meagher family honored Pearl with the 2026 Jack Meagher Award, sponsored by the Auburn Football Lettermen Club and presented since 2004 to a person with Auburn affiliation who has contributed significantly to society through athletics.
Meagher coached on the Plains from 1934-42, including the program's first bowl appearance in Havana, Cuba, and Auburn’s first bowl victory in the 1938 Orange Bowl.
As athletic director, Meagher helped oversee the construction and 1939 dedication of Jordan-Hare Stadium, then known as Auburn Stadium.
The Meagher family selected Pearl not only for his on-court success but also for his community service – from the Pearl Family Foundation’s fundraising efforts at Children’s Harbor, to Auburn men’s basketball’s AUTLIVE cancer initiative to promote early detection and help for local cancer patients.
“The award was created to preserve the legacy of my grandfather, Coach Jack Meagher, and to recognize the values by which he lived: leadership, service, faith, loyalty to Auburn, and a conviction that athletics should build people as well as teams,” Tom Meagher said during the award ceremony.
“Coach Pearl, you have led with energy, conviction, generosity and faith. You have invested in young men, embraced this community, and brought pride to Auburn people everywhere. Your leadership reflects the enduring purpose of this award: using athletics to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Before Pearl led Auburn to two Final Fours, five SEC championships and the program’s first No. 1 ranking, he posted a sign in the locker room that reads, “Make history.”
“When the family talked about faith and service, and for them to think about me in that way, is extremely meaningful,” Pearl said. “The Meagher family is about celebrating history and the connections between the great coaches over the years and this great university.”
Touched by the gesture, Pearl thanked the Meagher family, then gave them a tour of Neville Arena, including the spot in his office where the Meagher Award will be displayed.
“He always has time for people,” Meagher said.
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer