Coach Bruce Pearl announced on Monday his official retirement from Auburn. This decision caused a major impact, especially considering that the college basketball season is just days away from starting.
Pearl led the program to the Final Four for the second time last season. However, he bid farewell to college courts through an emotional video. Now, the team’s head coach will be his son, Steve.
An emotional farewell
According to the New York Post report, in the clip Pearl said: “I have been part of college basketball for almost 50 years, and the truth is, it’s time… I told myself that when I reached the point where I couldn’t give it my all, where I wasn’t necessarily at 100 percent, or couldn’t be the relentless competitor you expected from me, then it would be the time. And as hard as it is to say this, I realized it’s time to step aside.”
Dear Auburn Family, I truly love you.@CoachBrucePearl x #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/xFJAEetMLv
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) September 22, 2025
Bruce Pearl coached Auburn for the last 11 seasons. During that time, the franchise reached the NCAA Tournament six times. In fact, under him, the Tigers appeared in the Final Four for the first time in 2019. He was also honored as co-National Coach of the Year.
Recently, the coach told the media that he intends to run for political office. He even stated that his initial goal was to run for the seat being vacated by Tommy Tuberville in the U.S. Senate, as Tuberville will run for governor of Alabama. Nevertheless, he confirmed he will now take on the role of ambassador at Auburn.
In six weeks, the college basketball season begins, so Auburn will have to start adjusting to its new head coach. Steve will now have the task of continuing Bruce Pearl’s legacy.
