Steven Pearl shares emotional message to father Bruce Pearl at introductory press conference
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Bruce Pearl’s stunning announcement that he would be retiring prior to the 2025-2026 college basketball season shook up the sport’s landscape, but the Tigers had a plan in place.
Bruce’s son Steven, who has served in various roles within the Auburn program over 11 years, is set to take over as the man in charge after acting as associate head coach for the past 2 seasons.
With the torch officially being passed now, Steven shared a strong message to his father that sums up their unique journey.
“We have literally been together since Day One. You and my beautiful mother Kim welcomed me into the world in Iowa City, Iowa, and I have been a coach’s kid ever since,” Steven said. “Growing up I was so lucky and fortunate, because coach’s kids get to do something that not a lot of people get to do, and that’s go with their dad to work and have fun.”
Steve went on to detail stories of watching his father lift shirtless with his players or constantly calling random people that needed a boost in life, such as cancer patients. And he also delved into how meticulous Bruce was when it came to his work.
“I got to grow up watching him be in his element…I would watch him call complete strangers every day, people going through any sort of hardship. Just to love on them a bit,” Steven said. “And I watched him be involved in every aspect of his program no matter how small the detail or impact.”
To exemplify this, Steven shared a story of how, while at Milwaukee, Bruce walked into the student cafeteria and stood on a lunch table, imploring anybody nearby to come to the next basketball game.
“At the time I thought this was normal. I thought this was what every head coach did. I thought it was the norm, the standard,” Steven said. “But quickly after getting into this profession I realized that…it’s what makes him special and unique. And it’s what’s made him a Hall of Famer. The 5 years I played for him and the 11 years I’ve been under his wing have been the best years of my life.”
Here’s a look at Pearl’s full comments:
Current sports editor with the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. 2024 graduate from Mizzou and college athletics enthusiast.
