Breaking: Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl to retire
By JAMES MADDEN
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is planning to retire, per multiple reports. His son, Steven, is expected to be announced as his successor, Jon Rothstein reported.
Pearl became the all-time winningest head coach in Auburn history on January 7, 2025, passing Joel Eaves with his 214th victory with the school. He recorded 706 career wins across all levels and 477 wins at the Division 1 level. Pearl spent 30 total seasons as a head coach with four programs: Southern Indiana, UW-Milwaukee, Tennessee and Auburn. He also brought Auburn to its only two Final Four appearances in program history (2019, 2025).
Bruce Pearl, who is of Jewish heritage, has been outspoken about the ongoing conflict involving Israel over the past few years and was previously asked about a potential Senate run. Pearl said in a video posted on the team’s X account that he has no plans to run for office in 2026.
He has a contract running through the end of the 2029-30 season, so it is still unclear how the financial side of the retirement will play out, but Pearl will leave Auburn as the most successful coach in school history.
Pearl’s son, Steven, turned 38 years old last week and has been on the Auburn staff since 2014 in various coaching and administrative roles. He is expected to sign a five-year contract to become the 21st head coach of Auburn
With Pearl being named the 2025 NABC Division I Coach of the Year, the NABC also released an official statement Monday:
“Bruce Pearl showcased a unique ability throughout his career to achieve success at any level – from his Division II national title to multiple Division I Final Fours – and he is one of just two coaches in history to be named both the NABC Division I and Division II Coach of the Year. Bruce was also an impactful advocate for our profession behind the scenes, notably offering a leading voice on the NABC Division I Congress and helping craft multiple NABC positions on key legislative issues. On behalf of the NABC, I congratulate Bruce on today’s announcement and thank him for his service to our game.”
Auburn and Pearl released a video, thanking Auburn’s fans and everyone involved in his coaching career:
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