Bruce Pearl, Auburn’s winningest coach, retires after 11 seasons; Steven Pearl promoted to head coach. Get the full Bruce Pearl retirement news, age 65, politics rumors (Senate), Bruce Pearl’s legacy, Auburn Basketball.
Background Context
- Who is Bruce Pearl?
Bruce Pearl, age 65, has been a major figure in U.S. college basketball for decades — coaching at Southern Indiana, Milwaukee, Tennessee, and Auburn. He’s known for infectious energy, recruiting acumen, fiery personality, and program building. At Auburn, since 2014, he elevated the Tigers into SEC contenders, leading them to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and two Final Fours (including 2024-25). - Recent successes & recent speculation
The 2024-25 season was among his best: Auburn finished with a 32-6 record, was seeded No. 1 in the NCAA Tournament, made the Final Four, and Pearl was named AP Coach of the Year (sharing the nod) with Rick Pitino. Rumors had also circulated about Pearl possibly entering politics — many speculated about a U.S. Senate run in Alabama after Tommy Tuberville vacated a Senate seat to run for governor. Pearl had publicly addressed the rumors, but until very recently no firm decision.
What Happened Now — Retirement & Succession
- Retirement announcement
Bruce Pearl announced on September 22, 2025, that he is retiring as Auburn men’s basketball head coach. He cited that at age 65, he felt he could no longer give “100%,” could not be “relentless competitor” as expected, and believed it was time to pass the torch. - New role
He is moving into a role as a special assistant / ambassador to the athletic director at Auburn. He won’t be severing all ties to Auburn, but stepping off the head-coach duties. - Steven (or “Steve”) Pearl steps in
His son, Steven Pearl (age ~38), currently associate head coach as of 2023, will succeed Bruce as head coach. Steven has been on Bruce’s Auburn staff since 2014, promoted gradually (assistant, associate head coach). He’s signed a five-year contract. Auburn and Steven emphasized continuity, maintaining culture, recruiting, and the values built.
Key Numbers & Achievements
- Bruce Pearl’s career head coaching record: Over 700 wins across all schools (Southern Indiana, Milwaukee, Tennessee, Auburn).
- At Auburn: 11 seasons, 232 recognized official wins (246 total with some vacated by NCAA infractions), two Final Fours (2019, 2025), multiple SEC regular-season and tournament championships.
- Age: 65 at retirement; son Steven is ~38.
Senate Rumors & Politics
- What was being speculated: With Alabama’s Senate seat opening (Tuberville running for governor), there was speculation Bruce Pearl might run for U.S. Senate in 2026. Social media posts had become more political, and some in the media reported that Pearl was considering entering the political arena.
- Pearl’s statements: In the retirement announcement, he addressed the rumors, saying he had “thought and prayed about maybe running for United States Senate,” but that he is not running at this time. He emphasized his focus is on transitioning roles at Auburn, being with family, and finishing what they started.
What It Means for Auburn & College Basketball
- Program continuity vs change: With Steven Pearl stepping up, Auburn aims for continuity — culture, recruiting pipelines, style of play — rather than sudden overhaul. The challenge will be maintaining performance levels, especially expectations after a Final Four season.
- Roster retention & transfers: Coaching changes often lead to some player movement (transfer portal). The timing (just before the 2025-26 season tip-off) gives players a window to move, but Auburn hopes minimal disruption occurs. Some analysts project the team to remain near the top of the SEC and perhaps among top 4 seeds in NCAA Tournament brackets.
- Legacy & record: Pearl leaves as Auburn’s winningest men’s basketball head coach. He took a program that had less recent success and made Auburn nationally relevant, including infrastructure (facilities, recruiting) and in many fans’ eyes respect in the SEC and NCAA national discussion.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Common Questions & Myths Clarified
| Question | Answer / Clarification |
|---|---|
| Is Bruce Pearl retiring? | Yes. As of Sept 22, 2025, he is retiring as head coach. |
| Will he run for Senate? | No, not now. Although he considered it, he has announced he is not running for Alabama’s U.S. Senate seat in 2026. |
| What is his new role? | He will become a special assistant / ambassador to the athletic director at Auburn. |
| Who is Steven Pearl? | His son, ~38, longtime assistant/associate HC at Auburn, now incoming head coach with 5-year contract. |
| What is Bruce Pearl’s age? | 65 at time of retirement. |
Bruce Pearl & Family: Steven Pearl
- Steven Pearl’s background: Steven played under Bruce at Tennessee as a student-athlete. After playing career, he joined Auburn staff, serving in various roles (operations, assistant coach, associate head coach). He had been in leadership roles for several years and is considered deeply familiar with father’s systems and Auburn culture.
- Son stepping up: Steven signing a five-year deal indicates Auburn’s administration has faith in him. The messaging is strong on “not starting over, but building forward.” This succession plan is viewed by many as smooth, internally consistent, minimizing disruption.
Breaking: Bruce Pearl is expected to retire as the head coach of Auburn, sources tell @jeffborzello and @PeteThamel.
His son, Steven, is expected to be the head coach for the upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/COP9Be5Uqc
— ESPN (@espn) September 22, 2025
Bruce Pearl’s Retirement: Motivations & Reflection
- Personal readiness: Bruce said when he felt he could no longer give 100% — physically, mentally, competitively — he would step aside. He felt this was that moment. He wants to ensure the program continues under someone ready, and his son fits that description.
- Legacy thoughts: His legacy includes elevating Auburn basketball, multiple deep tournament runs, recruiting successes, and being a personality that drew attention (good and sometimes controversial). He’s had NCAA infractions in past (Tennessee, Auburn) but many observers say his positive impact outweighs negatives, especially in recent years.
- Politics rumors addressed: Though speculated, he has decided not to run for Senate at this time. Rumblings will likely continue, but now his role is nonpolitical.
What This Means Moving Forward
- For Auburn players and staff: Adjusting to a new head coach, even with internal hire, brings shifts. Players will watch how Steven Pearl changes coaching style (if at all), manage recruitment, and maintain performance. Coaching staffs under him will likely maintain many of Bruce Pearl’s staff in early season for stability.
- For schedule & expectations: Auburn enters the 2025-26 season with high expectations after last season’s success. The preseason rankings reflect that. There’s pressure for Steven to prove he can sustain success against stiff SEC competition.
- For recruiting & transfer portal: Coaching changes often trigger reconsiderations; Auburn has a 30-day window for players to transfer after a head coach change. Observers are watching whether key players consider jumping, but early reporting suggests minimal disruption.
- For Bruce Pearl himself: As ambassador/special assistant, he’ll likely still be involved in mentoring, perhaps fundraising, representing the program publicly — a less stressful role but still connected.