UPDATE
AUBURN, Ala. (WTVY) - Auburn University released a statement on Monday confirming that Bruce Pearl would be stepping down from his role as head men’s basketball coach effective immediately.
“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 sent out by the university. “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 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.”
“Throughout his five decades on the court, Bruce has energized fan bases, won championships, helped student-athletes graduate, worked with young people to achieve their dreams, and impacted countless lives,” said Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen. “The marks of true college basketball Hall of Famer.”
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Pearl also said in a video statement announcing his departure as head coach that he would not be running for U.S. Senate, instead staying on with Auburn in an ambassador role as special assistant to the athletics director.
“Many of you know that I thought about running for U.S. Senate...that would’ve required leaving Auburn,” Pearl said. “Instead, the University has given me an opportunity to stay here, and be Auburn’s senator, as an ambassador at Auburn.”
Following the confirmation of Bruce Pearl stepping down, the university released a new statement confirming that Steven Pearl has signed a five-year contract to become the 22nd head coach of the Tigers men’s basketball program.
“I’m incredibly grateful to President Dr. Roberts, Athletics Director John Cohen, and the entire Auburn leadership team for entrusting me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Steven said. “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.”
The university said that Bruce Pearl will move into an ambassador role in the athletic department as special assistant to the athletics director.
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ORIGINAL
AUBURN, Ala. (WTVY) - Some changes are coming to The Plains in the coming weeks or even days.
Sources told ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello on Monday that Auburn head basketball coach Bruce Pearl is expected to announce his retirement soon. The Uni
Pearl, who would have been entering his 12th season leading the Tigers men’s basketball program, is coming off a historic run in last season’s NCAA Tournament, with Auburn making their second-ever appearance in the Final Four after earning the No. 1 overall seed during a season that included an SEC regular-season championship.
Under Pearl, Auburn has gone 246-125 in 11 seasons, the winningest run all-time for a Tigers head coach, with six NCAA tournament appearances, two Final Four appearances, three SEC regular-season crowns, and two conference tournament titles. Pearl has also been named SEC Coach of the Year four times.
Speculation has risen in recent months about the Auburn head coach’s political aspirations, as many in recent months have linked Pearl with a potential run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville, who recently announced his campaign to become the next governor of Alabama.
Pearl, who is known to be outspoken regarding social and political topics on social media, told reporters in a recent interview that a career in politics after coaching is something he has “thought a great deal about,” but the 65-year-old has never outright confirmed his intentions to explore that possibility.
Steven Pearl, Bruce’s son and the current associate head coach at Auburn, is expected to be named the new head coach for the Tigers ahead of the 2025-26 season, sources also told ESPN.
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