Auburn, Steven Pearl agree to five-year contract to be next head coach

Auburn has signed Steven Pearl to a five-year contract to be its next men’s basketball head coach. Earlier on Monday, Pearl’s father, Bruce, retired from the coveted role after leading the program for 11 years.

“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. “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.”

Steven Pearl began his time at Auburn as an assistant coach in 2017. He was the team’s associate head coach from 2023-25.

Pearl has played a large role in the team’s success under his father. With Pearl as the associate HC the past two seasons, Auburn posted a combined 59-14 overall record, won the 2024 SEC Tournament, secured the 2025 regular-season conference title and advanced to the Final Four this past spring.

After new broke of Bruce Pearl’s retirement on Monday, Auburn men’s basketball released a video, in which the 65-year-old head coach discusses his decision. In the message, Pearl also raves about his son being his successor.

“There is nobody more qualified or in a position to maintain our culture of faith, family and doing it the Auburn way than Steven,” Bruce Pearl said. “He’s actually tougher than I am, and just as competitive! Out of loyalty to Auburn and me, Steven passed on several previous chances to pursue head coaching opportunities, choosing instead to invest in our men’s basketball program and help it reach unprecedented heights.

“He has worked tirelessly and been instrumental in the success of our program over the last 11 years. We would not have been in the position to make two Final Fours, win five SEC Championships and win as many games as we have if it wasn’t for Steven and this staff. I am so pleased that the DNA of this program won’t be changing and could not be prouder for Steven, Brittany and Lainey.”

Steven Pearl has an opportunity to have a fantastic debut campaign in the driver’s seat. Auburn reeled in four transfers this offseason and finished ninth in On3’s 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings.