Steven Pearl has officially been announced as the new head basketball coach at Auburn University.
The 38-year-old coach takes over for his father, Bruce Pearl, who announced his retirement on Monday after 11 years at the helm of the Tigers.
“I’m incredibly grateful to President Dr. Roberts, Athletics Director John Cohen, and the entire Auburn leadership team for entrusting me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Pearl said. “In a sense, I’ve spent my lifetime preparing for this moment, learning from one of the best in BP, and building a foundation rooted in character, hard work, and team-first values. We’re not starting over — we’re building forward, with the same principles that have made Auburn Basketball elite. I’m honored to lead this program, and I’m ready to rise to the moment.”
Per the press release:
Pearl has been instrumental in helping Auburn win five Southeastern Conference Championships over the last eight years, along with six NCAA Tournament appearances – including the Final Four in 2019 and 2025. He’s also helped produce four NBA Draft first-round picks in Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, and second-round pick Johni Broome.
During Pearl’s time on staff, Auburn has produced and developed seven NBA Draft picks and four All-Americans – more pros than the previous two decades. The Tigers have also won more NCAA Tournament games than any SEC program over the last seven years and earned the program’s first No. 1 ranking during the 2021-22 season, holding that ranking for eight consecutive weeks while being ranked in the top 25 for 32 consecutive weeks.
Auburn athletic director John Cohen spoke on the hiring of Pearl.
“When I came to Auburn three years ago, Coach Bruce Pearl made it clear to me that he was nearing the end of his coaching days. It was obvious to me – even then – that we needed to create an internal national search to prepare for the time when Coach Pearl would be stepping down,” Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said.
“Throughout our detailed process, it became obvious to me and our staff that Steven Pearl was clearly the best fit for Auburn. His expertise in coaching defense, his skills as an evaluator, recruiter, teacher and motivator, and his relationships with our student-athletes and staff were paramount.
“As the associate head coach on what I consider to be one of the elite coaching staffs in college basketball, Steven has played a prominent role in Auburn’s unprecedented success.
“The uncommon stability of Auburn’s coaching staff is a huge reason why our men’s basketball program has won five SEC championships and made two trips to the Final Four in the past eight seasons. Keeping that staff intact was a high priority, and very much a part of our decision-making process. We are thrilled to congratulate Steven and Brittany and are excited to watch Steven lead the program into this next chapter.”