Bruce Pearl in video announcing retirement: 'It was time to step aside'

Auburn fans heard from Bruce Pearl one more time on Monday as the head coach officially announced his retirement after 11 seasons on the Plains.

On Twitter/X, Auburn basketball's official account released a 14-minute video of Pearl thanking Auburn fans, his players, former and current and talked about the journey in helping build the Tigers into a national contender.

“Dear Auburn family, 11 years ago, my family and I moved to the loveliest village on the Plains. We dug in here, built roots in Auburn, Alabama, and together, with your help and unwavering support, we built this program. We took it to heights never before reached. 

“Together, we created the best home-court advantage in Neville Arena. Together, we invested in this community and changed lives. Together, we did everything we could to make Auburn the everything school that it is. Together, we built and helped graduate 51 Auburn basketball players over the last 11 years. Together, we helped ensure lifelong dreams became possible and a reality for those that wore the Auburn jersey. 

“Together, we brought championships to Auburn, five in the last eight years alone. Together, we built a program with core tenets built around faith, family and passion. Together, we made history. We did our best to give God the glory and to call on Him every chance we got. Being the head coach of Auburn basketball was the privilege of my life and the opportunity to join with so many of the great, legendary coaches of the past and present. I’m truly grateful.

“11 years ago, we planted roots in Auburn, Alabama and that will never change. God truly had a plan, but for me, it’s time. I’ve been a part of college basketball for almost 50 years. The truth is, it’s time. I told myself when I got to the point when I could not give it my all or I wasn’t necessarily 100 percent, where I couldn’t be the relentless competitor that you expect of me, that it was going to be time. As hard as it is to say this, I reached the realization that it was time to step aside.”

The entire video can be viewed below.