AUBURN, Ala. (WDNews) — Bruce Pearl, the winningest coach in Auburn men’s basketball history, has stepped down as head coach effective immediately.
Pearl will remain with the university as special assistant to the athletics director, serving in an ambassador role.
Pearl led the Tigers to unprecedented heights in his 11 seasons, with 232 victories, five SEC championships and two Final Four appearances in 2019 and 2025. Auburn also earned its first-ever No. 1 national ranking in 2022 under his leadership.
“Eleven years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to become the head basketball coach at Auburn, and it has been nothing short of amazing,” Pearl said. “With the Auburn Family’s unwavering support, we have built a program from the ground up and taken it to heights it had never reached before. Not only have we won championships, but we have built the best home-court advantage in college basketball, we’ve invested in this community and changed lives, and we’ve developed and graduated Auburn men. We built a program with the core tenants of faith, family and passion, and together, we made history. I hope we have made Auburn proud.”
Pearl, who ranks 11th among active Division I coaches with 694 career wins, said after nearly 50 years in coaching, it was time to step aside.
“Being the head coach at Auburn has been the privilege of my life,” Pearl said. “Auburn Family, I love you and I hope you understand that for me, it is time. Brandy and I are looking forward to the opportunity to continue serving the Auburn Family – just, in a new capacity. War Eagle!”
Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen praised Pearl’s impact on the program and the university.
“Throughout his five decades on the court, Bruce has energized fan bases, won championships, helped student-athletes graduate, worked with young people to achieve their dreams, and impacted countless lives,” Cohen said. “While Bruce has been a stalwart of college basketball for his entire career, nowhere has he made a stronger impact than his 11 years at Auburn.”
Auburn President Dr. Chris Roberts added that Pearl delivered on his promise when he arrived in 2014.
“On March 18, 2014, Bruce Pearl captivated the entire Auburn Family as he stepped off the plane and proudly declared that men’s basketball championships would soon come to The Plains,” Roberts said. “Throughout his 11 seasons at the helm, Bruce backed up that declaration and more, bringing national acclaim to our program and pride to the Auburn Family.”
Pearl leaves behind a legacy that includes two Final Fours, multiple SEC titles, 48 graduates, and numerous NBA draft picks. He and his wife, Brandy, plan to continue their active role in the Auburn community through their charitable work and service to the university.
