Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Auburn

Gus Malzahn reacts to Bruce Pearl's retirement, labels him a 'True Auburn legend'

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax09/23/25BarkleyTruax
Gus Malzahn
(Mike Watters)

Amid the litany of well-wishes and congratulations to Bruce Pearl on the announcement that he’s moving on from college basketball — Gus Malzahn’s stands out. The former Auburn football coach took to social media to react to the news of his good friend’s retirement.

For most of Pearl’s tenure, Malzahn was the Auburn football coach. Malzahn had two stints with the Tigers during his career, including being the head coach from 2013-2020. Pearl was hired in 2014 and stayed on as head coach of the men’s basketball program until he announced his retirement on Monday.

Malzahn has since left Auburn where he’s spent time as head coach of the UCF Knights. He now holds the offensive coordinator position for Florida State. Malzahn’s offense has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season, which kickoff off with a bang against Auburn’s arch rival — the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Seminoles would go on to defeat the Crimson Tide 31-17, which led many to take to social media and air their criticism toward Alabama. Pearl joined in on the fun, even posting an animated photo of the ‘Gus Bus’ — Malzahn driving a bus — over the Alabama mascot.

While the two may not be colleagues at Auburn anymore, it’s clear the two share a friendship that has lasted past their tenures. Whether Pearl takes Malzahn up on that round of golf remains to be seen.

Greg Sankey reacts to Bruce Pearl’s retirement

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.