Bruce Pearl set to retire as Auburn coach; Steven Pearl expected to take over

Bruce Pearl is expected to retire as Auburn men's basketball coach before the start of the 2025-26 season, according to multiple reports on Monday. Steven Pearl, the coach's son and current associate head coach, is anticipated to take over the program, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Auburn's longtime coach posted a 246-125 record and guided the Tigers to two Final Four appearances during his tenure. The retirement would allow Steven Pearl to assume the head coaching duties, per the reporting.

Rumors about Pearl's interest in public service have circulated as a potential bid for the U.S. Senate to replace Tommy Tuberville, who was pursuing the Alabama governorship. In a July appearance on a Scott Jennings Show program, Pearl said he wondered whether he could make as big an impact in Washington as he had on the court.

Pearl is Jewish and has voiced strong support for Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks and has served as chairman of the U.S. Israel Education Association. Auburn officials have not publicly announced a timetable for the transition, but Steven Pearl is listed as the likely successor and the program is expected to prepare for an orderly handoff ahead of next season.