Auburn’s Bruce Pearl stuns with abrupt retirement
Son, Steven Pearl, to take over as Tigers’ next head coach
By TAYLOR BECK, Sports Editor
AUBURN — After more than a decade redefining Auburn men’s basketball, Bruce Pearl is walking away.
The 64-year-old coach, who turned the Tigers from SEC afterthought into a national contender, announced Monday afternoon he is retiring immediately — a decision that sent shockwaves across the college basketball world.
Pearl leaves as Auburn’s winningest coach with 232 victories, two Final Four appearances (2019, 2025), five SEC championships, and six NCAA Tournament berths.
“Eleven years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to become the head basketball coach at Auburn, and it has been nothing short of amazing,” Pearl said in a statement from Auburn Athletics. “With the Auburn Family’s unwavering support, we have built a program from the ground up and taken it to heights it had never reached before… I hope we have made Auburn proud.
“I have been at this for almost 50 years and truthfully as hard as it is for me to say this, I have come to the realization that it’s time for me to step aside. Being the head coach at Auburn has been the privilege of my life.”
Before coming to Auburn, Pearl’s head coaching career included stints at Southern Indiana (1992-2001), Milwaukee (2001-05), and Tennessee (2005-11). A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Pearl earned his first staff position at his alma mater of Boston College and followed with various roles at Stanford and Iowa.
Pearl, who cited faith, family and passion as the backbone of his tenure, will not be leaving the Plains altogether. He will transition into an ambassador’s role as special assistant to the athletics director.
Athletic director John Cohen praised Pearl as “the marks of a true college basketball Hall of Famer,” noting his relentless drive and connection to Auburn’s players and fans.
“While Bruce has been a stalwart of college basketball for his entire career, nowhere has he made a stronger impact than his 11 years at Auburn,” Cohen said.
The university wasted no time naming Pearl’s successor: his son, Steven Pearl. Photo courtesy Auburn Athletics
Passing the torch
The university wasted no time naming Pearl’s successor: his son, Steven Pearl.
Steven, who has been on Auburn’s staff since 2014 and most recently served as associate head coach, signed a five-year deal to become the 22nd head coach in program history.
“I’m incredibly grateful… for entrusting me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Steven Pearl said in a statement. “We’re not starting over — we’re building forward, with the same principles that have made Auburn Basketball elite. I’m honored to lead this program, and I’m ready to rise to the moment.”
His father had no hesitation in endorsing him.
“There is nobody more qualified… than Steven,” Bruce Pearl said. “He’s actually tougher than I am, and just as competitive!”
Cohen admitted the succession had been in the works for years.
“When I came to Auburn three years ago, Coach Bruce Pearl made it clear to me that he was nearing the end of his coaching days,” Cohen said. “Throughout our detailed process, it became obvious… that Steven Pearl was clearly the best fit for Auburn.”
Bruce Pearl leaves as Auburn’s winningest coach with 232 victories, two Final Four appearances (2019, 2025), five SEC championships, and six NCAA Tournament berths. Photo courtesy Auburn Athletics
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