Bruce Pearl Retires; Son Steven Named Auburn Coach

Bruce Pearl announced he is retiring after 11 seasons as Auburn men’s basketball head coach and will move into a special assistant/ambassador role in the athletics department. Associate head coach Steven Pearl has been named his successor and reportedly signed a five-year contract. The announcement came just as programs began practice and weeks before Auburn’s season opener. Pearl publicly ruled out a run for the U.S. Senate. He departs with a 246-125 Auburn record (232 officially recognized after vacated games), five SEC championships, six NCAA Tournament appearances and two Final Four trips (2019 and 2025). The decision prompted emotional reactions and praise from colleagues as well as criticism over perceived nepotism and commentary on Pearl’s political advocacy.