Auburn coach Bruce Pearl expected to retire before 2025-26 season, per report
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Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl is set to retire ahead of the 2025-26 season, according to a report.
ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello was first to share that news on Monday afternoon. As of publication, an official announcement has not yet been made.
His son, Steven Pearl, is expected to step in as Auburn‘s head coach for the upcoming year, per Borzello.
Pearl has been linked to a political career in recent months and said earlier this offseason that he may not continue coaching for much longer. He told Paul Finebaum earlier this month that he would be “surprised” if he lasted 5 more years in coaching.
Still, his departure is a surprise with the 2025-26 season so close. Auburn is set to begin the upcoming campaign in a matter of weeks when it hosts Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 3.
Pearl is a massive loss for Auburn and the SEC. He’s turned that program into one of the most formidable in all of college basketball. Auburn was a No. 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament and reached the Final Four for the second time under Pearl.
Pearl spent 11 seasons as Auburn’s head coach. He departs with an overall record of 246-125. He also led the Tigers to 3 SEC regular-season titles during his tenure.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
