Auburn basketball has entered a new era — one rooted in continuity, loyalty, and family tradition. The Tigers officially announced that Steven Pearl, son of legendary coach Bruce Pearl, has signed a five-year contract to become the program’s 22nd head coach in school history.
The move comes just weeks after Bruce Pearl, Auburn’s all-time winningest coach, retired ahead of the 2025–26 season. While speculation swirled about possible successors, Auburn’s athletic department made it clear: this was never a trial run. Steven Pearl was not just the interim; he was the choice all along.
At 38 years old, Pearl brings 11 years of experience on Auburn’s coaching staff, including the last two as associate head coach. In that time, he earned a reputation as a relentless recruiter, a defensive strategist, and a vital figure in the Tigers’ rise to national prominence. His fingerprints are on nearly every part of Auburn’s success: recruiting top-tier talent, developing NBA-ready players, and masterminding defensive game plans.
“We’re not starting over — we’re building forward,” Steven Pearl said in his introductory statement. “The foundation is already strong, and I’m honored to lead Auburn into this next chapter. We’re going to compete with toughness, family, and everything it means to wear Auburn across our chest.”
Athletic Director John Cohen emphasized that the coaching search was thorough but ultimately obvious. “Steven was the clear fit,” Cohen said. “His leadership, his relationships with our players, and his coaching expertise made this an easy decision. He has been a cornerstone of Auburn’s success, and now he gets to carry it forward.”
Bruce Pearl, who guided Auburn to six NCAA Tournament appearances, two Final Fours, and five SEC titles, gave his full blessing. “Steven is tougher than I am and just as competitive,” Bruce said. “He passed on other opportunities out of loyalty to Auburn and to me. Our program would not have achieved what it did without him.”
For Auburn fans, the announcement signals both stability and excitement. Rather than entering a rebuilding phase, the Tigers are doubling down on the culture and success that Bruce Pearl built — with Steven now steering the ship.
The message is clear: Auburn basketball is not closing a chapter. It’s writing the next one — with a familiar name at the helm.
