Auburn University announced Steven Pearl as the new head basketball coach on Monday, the same day it was announced that his father is stepping down.Steven Pearl has been with Auburn staff for 11 years and has been the associate head coach for the past two season. He signed a five-year contract to become the 22nd head coach in program history, according to Auburn.“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,” Steven Pearl said in a statement. “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.”Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said that when he came into the program three years ago, they new that Bruce Pearl would be stepping down soon and began an internal nation-wide search. He noted that Steven has played a prominent role in Auburn’s success and is the best fit.”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,” Cohen said. WATCH: Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl’s full retirement videoBruce Pearl said that Steven had passed on several head coaching opportunities to invest in Auburn and its players, and that loyalty has taken him far.”He’s actually tougher than I am, and just as competitive!” Bruce Pearl said in a statement.
AUBURN, Ala. —
Auburn University announced Steven Pearl as the new head basketball coach on Monday, the same day it was announced that his father is stepping down.
Steven Pearl has been with Auburn staff for 11 years and has been the associate head coach for the past two season.
He signed a five-year contract to become the 22nd head coach in program history, according to Auburn.
“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,” Steven Pearl said in a statement. “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.”
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Grateful for the foundation that has been laid by BP.
Excited to honor and continue his legacy, make more history, and represent this great university.
War. Damn. Eagle. 🦅 https://t.co/HZPRmJ8Fvn
— Steven Pearl (@StevenPearl22) September 22, 2025
Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said that when he came into the program three years ago, they new that Bruce Pearl would be stepping down soon and began an internal nation-wide search. He noted that Steven has played a prominent role in Auburn’s success and is the best fit.
“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,” Cohen said.
WATCH: Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl’s full retirement video
Bruce Pearl said that Steven had passed on several head coaching opportunities to invest in Auburn and its players, and that loyalty has taken him far.
“He’s actually tougher than I am, and just as competitive!” Bruce Pearl said in a statement.
Icon Sportswire
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 14: Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl and his son and assistant coach Steven Pearl on the sidelines during a second round game of the SEC Tournament between the Auburn Tigers and Mississippi Rebels, March 14, 2025 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey)