Bruce Pearl Retiring: Auburn Basketball Coach Steps Down After 11 Seasons

Bruce Pearl is retiring as Auburn basketball coach. The news broke Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, from Auburn, Alabama. Multiple reports confirmed the longtime coach will step away after 11 seasons leading the Tigers. His son, Steven Pearl, is expected to take over the program.

Pearl is 65 years old. He built Auburn into a consistent NCAA tournament team. Under his watch, the Tigers made six tournament runs in the last seven years. They also reached the Final Four twice, including in 2025 with All-American center Johni Broome.

Bruce Pearl Retiring After a Historic Run at Auburn

Bruce Pearl first arrived at Auburn in 2014. At the time, the program was struggling. Pearl quickly changed the direction. He gave Auburn national relevance again. According to Reuters, his recruiting success and fiery style helped rebuild the Tigers into a powerhouse in the SEC.

His record speaks for itself. Auburn earned multiple conference titles. The Final Four trips brought national respect. In 2019, Auburn shocked the nation with a deep run. In 2025, Pearl again proved his skill by leading the Tigers to another Final Four appearance.

The coach also brought stability. Auburn became a regular March Madness name. Fans filled Neville Arena each season. Pearl’s energy and charisma made him one of the most popular coaches in college basketball.

Steven Pearl Expected to Take Over

Reports say Pearl’s son, Steven Pearl, will become the next Auburn head coach. Steven has served as an assistant on his father’s staff. He knows the system well and has been closely involved with player development.

This move keeps the program’s culture steady. Auburn avoids a major coaching search. Steven Pearl steps in with deep ties to the team and recruits. It is a natural transition that signals continuity rather than change.

For Auburn fans, the news is bittersweet. They lose a legend but keep the Pearl name on the sideline. The younger Pearl will have high expectations. Following a coach with Bruce Pearl’s resume will be no easy task.

What This Means for Auburn Basketball

Bruce Pearl retiring marks the end of an era. Auburn now shifts into a new chapter. The program will look to keep its strong position in the SEC. Steven Pearl’s challenge is maintaining tournament appearances and pushing for more Final Fours.

For Auburn fans, there is hope and concern. Hope that the transition stays smooth. Concern that the success under Bruce Pearl might be difficult to repeat. Still, the Tigers remain one of the top programs in college basketball.

Bruce Pearl retiring closes one of the best runs in Auburn history. His impact will last for years. His son now takes the torch, and Auburn enters a new chapter.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Bruce Pearl retiring?

Bruce Pearl is stepping down at 65 after a long coaching career. Reports say it is a personal decision after 11 years at Auburn.

Q2: Who will replace Bruce Pearl at Auburn?

His son, Steven Pearl, is expected to take over. He has been an assistant coach on the Auburn staff for years.

Q3: How successful was Bruce Pearl at Auburn?

He led Auburn to six NCAA tournaments in seven years. He also reached two Final Fours, including in 2025.

Q4: What is Bruce Pearl’s coaching record?

Bruce Pearl spent 11 seasons at Auburn. His career included multiple conference titles and two Final Four runs.

Q5: How will this affect Auburn basketball?

The program hopes for stability under Steven Pearl. The challenge is living up to the high bar set by his father.

Sources

Reuters. (2025, September 22). Auburn coach Bruce Pearl expected to retire. Associated Press. (2025, September 22). Bruce Pearl stepping down after 11 seasons with Auburn. Yahoo Sports. (2025, September 22). Longtime Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl to retire.