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Tulsa Basketball Coach Eric Pearlman Resigns

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 12:01 GMT by Tulsa World
      Locales: Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, UNITED STATES

Tulsa, Oklahoma - February 18, 2026 - After thirteen seasons at the helm, Eric Pearlman has resigned as the head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane men's basketball team. The announcement, made today by Athletic Director Mike Schaffer, marks the end of a significant chapter in Tulsa basketball history, one characterized by both NCAA tournament success and recent struggles.

Pearlman took over the program in April 2013, inheriting the position from Danny Cravens after his five-year tenure. While Cravens laid a foundation, Pearlman elevated the Golden Hurricane to new heights, leading the team to three NCAA tournament appearances in 2014, 2016, and 2018. These tournament runs represent some of the most exciting moments for Tulsa basketball fans in recent memory, generating significant buzz and regional pride.

Throughout his tenure, Pearlman amassed an overall record of 192-187, a testament to his coaching abilities and commitment to the program. He also compiled a 75-75 record within the highly competitive American Athletic Conference, demonstrating a consistent ability to navigate a challenging landscape. However, the program's fortunes have waned in the past few seasons, leading to the difficult decision for both Pearlman and the university to part ways.

The 2024-2025 season saw the Golden Hurricane finish with an 11-20 record, and this season, despite a slight improvement to 14-17, the team failed to meet expectations. The decline in performance, coupled with increasing competition within the AAC, likely contributed to the decision to seek a "new direction" for the program, as stated by Schaffer.

"I want to thank Eric for his service to the university and his dedication to the men's basketball program," Schaffer said in an official statement released this afternoon. "While we appreciate his efforts, it is time to move forward with a new direction for our program. I wish Eric and his family the best."

Pearlman, in his own statement, expressed gratitude for his time at Tulsa. "I appreciate the opportunity to have coached at Tulsa for the past 13 years," he said. "I want to thank the players, coaches and staff who have been a part of our program. I wish the university and basketball program the best in the future."

Looking Ahead: The Search for a New Leader

The immediate focus now shifts to finding Pearlman's replacement. Schaffer announced that a national search will begin immediately, aiming to identify a coach who can revitalize the program and return it to its former glory. The ideal candidate will likely be someone with a proven track record of success, a strong recruiting ability, and a commitment to academic excellence.

Several names are already being floated as potential candidates, including up-and-coming mid-major coaches and experienced assistants from Power Five programs. The Athletic Department is expected to cast a wide net, considering candidates from diverse backgrounds and coaching philosophies.

This coaching change comes at a crucial time for Tulsa basketball. The American Athletic Conference is becoming increasingly competitive, with several programs investing heavily in their basketball programs. To remain competitive, Tulsa needs a coach who can attract top talent, develop players effectively, and implement a winning strategy.

The university is hoping to announce a new coach within the next 4-6 weeks, allowing ample time for the candidate to begin recruiting for the 2026-2027 season. The selection process will be rigorous, involving input from key stakeholders, including university administration, boosters, and current players. The goal is to find a leader who can not only win games but also build a sustainable culture of success within the program and reconnect with the passionate Tulsa fan base.

The legacy of Eric Pearlman will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by many Tulsa fans. His three NCAA tournament appearances stand as a testament to his ability to build a competitive program. However, the university is now looking towards the future, hoping to usher in a new era of success under a new leader.