Charles Barkley reacts to Bruce Pearl retirement, Steven Pearl appointment

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl officially announced his retirement from the sport of college basketball three weeks ago. His son, Steven Pearl, was named his father’s successor and will lead the program into the next era.

The eldest Pearl led the Tigers to a 244-123 overall record with their lone two Final Four appearances in program history (2019 and 2024) over 11 seasons. This past season, Auburn became the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and finished with a 32-6 overall record, including a 15-3 mark in SEC play.

Barkley reacts to change in leadership for Auburn basketball

Basketball Hall of Famer and Auburn alum Charles Barkley reacted to Bruce’s retirement and Steven’s appointment to head coach at the ‘Bruce, Barkley and Basketball Golf Classic‘ Monday morning.

“Well I think (Steven) has got to figure out how he’s different from Bruce,” Barkley said. “Because he’s not Bruce. The really cool thing about sports is that it’s in real time. So, I think he’s had a great leader and mentor for a lot of years. Bruce is the greatest coach in Auburn basketball history and he’s taken us places I never thought we would go. I mean, realistically I never thought Auburn would make it to the Final Four and we’ve been there twice now. So, Bruce has taken the program places I never dreamed it would go and Steven is gonna have to figure out himself.

“He’s not BP. But, like I said, all of you all have had jobs with great leaders and mentors that you have learned from. Steve is gonna have to pick and choose what he wants to take from his dad, but become his own man. But it’s gonna be different. There’s a difference between being assistant coach and head coach. I’m excited for Steven and he’s earned that opportunity, but Bruce has taken this program places I never thought it would go so it’s going to be fun to watch.”

Barkley revealed in July that he would back a potential Pearl senate run

Rumors swirled all offseason about Pearl’s possible retirement, as he has repeatedly hinted at running for Senate in recent months. If Pearl was to eventually run (although he said that isn’t on the docket for now), Barkley revealed back in July that he would “100%” support the former head coach if he chose to try for the seat.

Speaking with AL.com’s Roy S. Johnson, Barkley pointed out Pearl’s impact on Auburn, including two Final Four appearances under his watch. That, in Barkley’s eyes, earned the head coach the right to do what he sees best for him.

“I respect and trust him. I just told him to do what he wants to do,” Barkley said. “Obviously, he’s made Auburn basketball relevant, which makes me happy. I said, ‘Hey, man, as much as I love you being the head basketball coach at Auburn, you taking Auburn to two Final Fours, something I never thought would happen, but I do understand.’ If he wants to run, I’m gonna support him 100%.”