One of the biggest college basketball names is hanging up his whistle and passing the torch to his son.
On Monday, Sept. 22 ― just 42 days ahead of the Auburn basketball season opener against Bethune-Cookman on Monday, Nov. 3 ― reports surfaced that Tigers coach Bruce Pearl is expected to retire ahead of the 2025-26 season college basketball season.
His son, Steven Pearl, will step in as the Auburn coach for the season, the program has announced. The university has signed him to a five-year contract.
“I’m incredibly grateful to (Auburn) president Dr. Roberts, athletics director John Cohen, and the entire Auburn leadership team for entrusting me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Steven Pearl said. “In a sense, I’ve spent my lifetime preparing for this moment, learning from one of the best in BP, and building a foundation rooted in character, hard work, and team-first values.
‘We’re not starting over — we’re building forward, with the same principles that have made Auburn Basketball elite. I’m honored to lead this program, and I’m ready to rise to the moment.”
Added Auburn athletic director John Cohen:
“When I came to Auburn three years ago, Coach Bruce Pearl made it clear to me that he was nearing the end of his coaching days. It was obvious to me — even then — that we needed to create an internal national search to prepare for the time when Coach Pearl would be stepping down.
“Throughout our detailed process, it became obvious to me and our staff that Steven Pearl was clearly the best fit for Auburn. His expertise in coaching defense, his skills as an evaluator, recruiter, teacher and motivator, and his relationships with our student-athletes and staff were paramount.
Here’s what you need to know about Steven Pearl:
Who is Steven Pearl?
Steven Pearl has been on his father’s coaching staff since 2017, when he was hired as an assistant. He was promoted to associate head coach on Aug. 1, 2023, and now will take the reins over a national title contender from his father.
Steven Pearl served as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Tigers during their Final Four run during the 2024-25 college basketball season. According to his Auburn bio, his in-game duties include ‘opponent scouting, defensive strategies and adjustments.’
With Steven Pearl on Auburn’s staff, the Tigers have won five SEC championships and made six NCAA Tournament appearances over the last eight seasons, including Final Four runs in 2019 and 2025.
Steven picked up his first and only win as a head coach when he served as the acting head coach against North Alabama on Dec. 14, 2021. The Tigers defeated the Lions 70-44, with Bruce Pearl missing the game due to an NCAA-sanctioned suspension.
Over the last four seasons, Auburn’s defense has ranked second in the SEC in 3-point field goal percentage (.299), third in field goal percentage (.396) and fourth in scoring defense (68.1 points per game), under Steven’s watch.
Before joining his father’s coaching staff, Steven served as a medical sales representative for Stryker Corp for three years.
How old is Steven Pearl?
Steven Pearl was born on Sept. 14, 1987, meaning he turned 38 years old this year. He will be the youngest head coach in the SEC, with Florida’s Todd Golden being 40.
Where did Steven Pearl play college basketball?
Steven played for his father at Tennessee from 2007-11. After redshirting as a freshman, he played 101 games for the Vols. He helped Tennessee to back-to-back SEC East championships in 2008 and 2009. He was part of the Tennessee teams that reached the Sweet 16 in 2007 and 2008 and the Elite Eight in 2010.
Over his four-year playing career with the Vols, Steven averaged 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game over 101 career games, including one start.