Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl is not overly popular on the Plains. He took over AU's hoops program from his legendary coaching father, Bruce, in a way that could rub some the wrong way, especially in light of all the recent losing.
Granted, Steven was a masterful assistant under Bruce, who had a big hand in bringing many transfers on the 2024-25 roster that brought the team to its second Final Four run in history last March and April. He deserved a step up somewhere. Maybe even Auburn, but under the right circumstances. But Bruce's abrupt retirement in September, during a time when there were practically no external candidates in a good place to join a team right before the season, looks awful right now.
Paul Finebaum correctly pointed out that a poor end to the season could put Steven on the hot seat in East Central Alabama after a 14-11 record for the 2025-26 season and a 5-7 record during conference play so far.
Finebaum also made it clear that he feels the idea that Steven is the next Bruce is far-fetched.
“It’s gone very badly. Some are arguing that Steven Pearl ends up being his father. I don’t necessarily buy that. I don’t like what I’ve seen in this team. What’s happening right now, It doesn’t add up, and they are in serious danger. If you go from making the Final Four to not making the NCAA tournament, I don’t care what your last name is, Auburn fans are not going to be very happy," Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning on Monday.
Comparing Steven's first year to Bruce's 50 years is bold. Not sure who has voiced that since the season started, and also said that in Finebaum's presence.
Bruce dodged a situation that likely wouldn't have produced a second straight Final Four. Chad Prewett seemingly knew it early, resigning last May, and Bruce wasn't all that far behind in the grand scheme.
Bruce also stuck Steven with this team, which lost size when Emeka Opurum was ruled out with an injury for the rest of the season in December. The signs were there that this would be a tough go-round for Steven; his past success just gave Tiger fans irrational hope.
Paul Finebaum condemns Keyshawn Hall suspension
Finebaum strongly condemned Keyshawn Hall's recent suspension over the weekend, which was a decision Steven made based on a personal judgment call for failing to meet the "standards and expectations."
“When you suspend a player, you don’t do it because you’re trying to win some sort of award. You do it because the player has clearly violated team policies to a point where you cannot tolerate it any longer. So, I’m not about to give him a parade because he kicked off his best player. It just tells me that the players weren’t listening to him," Finebaum said.
We get it Pawl. You don't like Steven.
With four of AU's final six opponents ranked below them, it's possible Finebaum is singing a different tune in a month's time, though.