It's never easy becoming a head coach for the first time. All of the responsibilities and duties you can get away from as an assistant are now solely on your lap. You are the person in charge of the entire program, like it or not.
Over the past few years, when Bruce Pearl discussed retirement and Auburn considered who to replace the legendary coach with, his son, Steven Pearl, was one of the names that came up. However, some thought that the younger Pearl would be better off going and taking a smaller job first before filling his dad's role on the Plains.
In the press conference introducing him as the 22nd head men's basketball coach in Auburn history, Steven Pearl explained why being at his father's side was just as beneficial as taking a head coaching job elsewhere.
"I’ve been prepared for this moment my entire life," Pearl said. "Being under BP as his son, as a player and as his coach, I’ve been able to watch him and the things that he does that helps build programs and sustain success. So, there is really no better way for me to learn how to do it than to watch him do it every single day."
Serving as associate head coach since 2023, Steven's duties have expanded since joining the staff in 2015, including being solely responsible for scouting and the Tigers' defensive plans at times. As he points out, the elder Pearl was mentoring not only Steven but also his entire staff on what it takes to be a head coach.
"He entrusts and empowers his staff, and he relies on his staff so much that we’re doing things that a lot of head coaches are being trusted to do every single day already," Steven said. "Over the last couple summers, he’s allowed us as a staff to kind of run things in practice to gain some extra experience. It has been really important. It’s been really helpful, and it’s really helped us all grow in our journey to move up the ladder to eventually be head coaches.”