Greg Sankey reacts to Bruce Pearl's retirement, role he played in elevating SEC basketball

The Southeastern Conference released a statement from commissioner Greg Sankey on Monday regarding the retirement of Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl. Sankey chose to highlight the human side of the longtime Tigers headman.

“Bruce Pearl has played an important role in elevating the competitive level and popularity of men’s basketball in the Southeastern Conference,” Sankey said. “His dynamic leadership, relentless energy, and forward-thinking vision have helped transform the sport across the conference.

“While his on-court achievements are well documented, it is his genuine connection with fans, media and the broader community that truly distinguishes his impact. His active presence in campus life and unwavering dedication to student-athletes, staff, and the university community further reflect the depth and lasting significance of his influence.”

While at the helm of the Tigers, Pearl led the program to a 244-123 record. That included two Final Four appearances, two SEC Tournament titles and three regular-season conference championships. The Tigers’ Final Four appearances are the only two in program history.

One of those appearances was last season, when the Tigers posted an impressive 32-6 overall record and a 15-3 mark in conference play. Auburn was expected to be a contender in the SEC against this fall. Now, that remains to be seen given his retirement opens a 30-day transfer portal window for the players on Auburn’s roster.

However, Pearl will be replaced by someone he trusts — his own son, Steven Pearl. Steven Pearl’s coaching experience is all at Auburn, working himself up from behind the scenes to a coach on Auburn’s bench. Now, it’s his program to lead into the foreseeable future.

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.

“We’re not starting over — we’re building forward with the same principles that have made Auburn Basketball elite,” Steven Pearl said. “I’m honored to lead this program, and I’m ready to rise to the moment.”

Auburn will look to keep its place among the premier programs in college basketball under its new head coach. For now, fans are honoring Bruce Pearl for getting them there.