With the news breaking on Monday that Bruce Pearl was stepping down as the head basketball coach at Auburn and that his son, Steven, would be taking his place, there have been many questions about whether the younger Pearl is ready for the job.
The elder Pearl has nothing but confidence in his 38-year-old son to continue the tradition and winning that has become synonymous with Auburn basketball.
“There is nobody more qualified or in a position to maintain our culture of faith, family and doing it the Auburn way than Steven," Bruce Pearl said in a press release. "He’s actually tougher than I am, and just as competitive! Out of loyalty to Auburn and me, Steven passed on several previous chances to pursue head coaching opportunities, choosing instead to invest in our men’s basketball program and help it reach unprecedented heights. He has worked tirelessly and been instrumental in the success of our program over the last 11 years. We would not have been in the position to make two Final Fours, win five SEC Championships and win as many games as we have if it wasn’t for Steven and this staff. I am so pleased that the DNA of this program won’t be changing and could not be prouder for Steven, Brittany and Lainey.”
Steven takes over after spending 10 years in various roles on his father's staff, most recently as the associate head coach since the beginning of the 2023 season.
He takes over with high expectations, as Bruce built Auburn's program from the ground up, taking the Tigers to two Final Fours, winning five SEC championships, and garnering No. 1 rankings in two seasons.