Coach Bruce Pearl Retires, Son Steven Pearl to Take the Reins

On the back of his best season yet, and roughly six weeks until Auburn basketball's regular season begins, Coach Bruce Pearl has announced his retirement today. This news hits while the Auburn faithful are still reeling from last weekend’s heavily scrutinized loss to Oklahoma — and it’s only Monday.

Build the Statue: Bruce Pearl's Legacy at Auburn

The Bruce Pearl Era brought 11 seasons of unprecedented success to Auburn basketball. Under Pearl, the Tigers went 246–125 (.663), won three SEC regular-season championships, two SEC tournament titles, earned eleven NCAA Tournament wins, and made two Final Four appearances.

In the 11 years before Pearl, Auburn posted a 159–182 (.466) record. The program hadn’t produced an All-American since Chris Porter and Doc Robinson in 1999. Pearl delivered three in just the past four years: Jabari Smith (2021–2022), Walker Kessler (2021–2022), and Johni Broome (2023–2024, 2024–2025). On top of that, four players under Pearl went on to be first-round NBA Draft picks: Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, Jabari Smith, and Walker Kessler.

Before Pearl, the last time Auburn made the NCAA Tournament was under Cliff Ellis in 2002–2003. Pearl’s teams made The Big Dance six times in 11 seasons, winning more NCAA Tournament games than any other SEC program over the past seven years.

Pearl leaves as not just the most successful coach in Auburn history, but arguably one of the most important figures in Auburn athletics. He transformed the program from meandering mediocrity to an annual title contender. Any lingering sour taste should be set aside — he has redefined what it means to come play basketball at Auburn.

Steven Pearl Named Auburn Head Coach

Shortly after Bruce’s announcement, his son Steven Pearl was named the 22nd head coach of Auburn men’s basketball on a five-year deal. Pearl has been with the program since 2014, starting out as an assistant strength and conditioning coach before moving on to the court as an assistant in 2017. He spent the next several seasons in that role before being promoted to associate head coach in 2023.

In just four years running Auburn’s defense, Steven Pearl has built one of the stingiest units in program history. The Tigers have put together their best-ever four-year stretch in field goal percentage defense and their best three-year run defending the three. Auburn has also finished top 13 nationally in effective field goal percentage defense every single year under Pearl, and three times in that span the Tigers landed inside the top 10 overall.

Bruce shared his thoughts on his son taking over the program, along with Steven’s decision to pass on opportunities elsewhere:

“There is nobody more qualified or in a position to maintain our culture of faith, family and doing it the Auburn way than Steven. He’s actually tougher than I am, and just as competitive! Out of loyalty to Auburn and me, Steven passed on several previous chances to pursue head coaching opportunities, choosing instead to invest in our men’s basketball program and help it reach unprecedented heights,” Bruce Pearl said. “He has worked tirelessly and been instrumental in the success of our program over the last 11 years. We would not have been in the position to make two Final Fours, win five SEC Championships and win as many games as we have if it wasn’t for Steven and this staff.

Should Steven need any assistance from his father, Bruce won't be far away. Instead of taking the rumored political route, Bruce will remain at Auburn serving as an ambassador and be Auburn's "senator", in his own words. He said his focus will be on doing everything possible to help Auburn become the best version of itself. He insists he has “no plans” to run for Alabama’s open Senate seat in 2026 — and politicians always stick to their words.

The Immediate Concern

Bruce Pearl’s departure triggers an automatic 30-day window for players to transfer immediately without restrictions. That said, classes and practices are already underway, and with the season just a month and a half away, NIL opportunities are likely limited. Plus, with Bruce still close by, it’s unlikely this will become a major concern.

Looking ahead

Auburn is just under a month away from tipping off its season with an exhibition against Oklahoma State in Birmingham, AL. After that, the Tigers will face off against potential tournament favorite Houston before heading to Las Vegas for the Players Era Championship. Each game will give fans a first look at Steven Pearl’s vision for the program — a roster full of new faces, with Tahaad Pettiford as the lone holdover.