SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl announced his retirement Monday, closing a legendary chapter that made him the Tigers’ all-time winningest coach.
Pearl, 65, steps down months after guiding Auburn to its second Final Four and a school-record 32 wins. His son, Steven Pearl, 38, will take over as head coach.
“I just feel when I can’t give 100% it’s time to pass the torch,” Bruce Pearl said in a video message.
Steven, who played under his father at Tennessee and joined Auburn’s staff in 2014, was promoted to associate head coach last season. He previously stepped in as acting coach during the 2021–22 season, leading Auburn to two decisive wins.
Bruce Pearl’s tenure turned Auburn into a national powerhouse — delivering SEC titles, eight straight weeks ranked No. 1, and a program once unthinkable Final Four run.
Amid speculation he would run for the U.S. Senate after Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced plans to run for governor, Pearl confirmed he will not enter politics. Instead, he will remain at Auburn as a university ambassador.