Bruce Pearl has retired after 11 successful seasons as Auburn’s men’s basketball coach, moving into a new role as special assistant to the athletics director. His son, Steven Pearl, who has served as the Tigers’ associate head coach, was awarded a five-year deal to take over the program.
Pearl, 64, leaves behind a program he helped elevate to national prominence, guiding Auburn to six NCAA Tournament appearances, two Final Four runs, and an SEC regular-season championship in his final year. His record stands at 246–125, though 14 wins were vacated due to NCAA infractions tied to the 2016-17 season.
While Pearl shifts into an ambassadorial role within the athletic department, sources told ESPN he is also weighing a possible move into politics. Discussions have surfaced about him potentially running for a U.S. Senate seat from Alabama, an option that could mark a dramatic career pivot from coaching to public service. For now, though, Auburn leadership and Pearl alike have emphasized his contributions to the program’s rise and his continued presence on campus.
