Hugh Freeze congratulates Bruce Pearl on his coaching career after retirement announcement

Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze reacted to Bruce Pearl’s shocking retirement announcement on Monday during his weekly press conference. He shared his congratulations to both Pearl and his son, Steven, who is taking over as head men’s basketball coach.

Freeze brushed over Pearl’s lengthy accolades. Instead, spoke to the man Bruce Pearl is and what he means to him during their time as colleagues.

“First, congratulations to Coach Pearl. His record speaks for itself, the Final Four’s, the SEC titles, his draft picks and NCAA Tournaments,” Freeze said. “But truthfully, all of that is great, but he’s truly one of the best men that I’ve ever met. He’s endeared himself to me as a friend, and has been there every step of the way for me. I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone that makes everybody in the room feel honored like he does.”

While at the helm of the Tigers, Pearl led the program to a 244-123 record, two SEC Tournament titles, three regular-season conference championships. Additionally, he guided Auburn to its only two Final Four appearances in program history. He made Auburn a landing spot for high-profile recruits and transfer portal talent.

One of those Final Four appearances was last season, when the Tigers posted an impressive 32-6 overall record and a 15-3 mark in conference play. Now, he’ll look to pursue other ventures outside of college athletics. Freeze hopes to see him down the road.

“I know that I’ll still get to laugh with him and see him at the lake and be around him,” Freeze said. “But certainly I’ll miss being in the foxhole together, somewhat.

“But the good thing is, congratulations to his son, Steven, on this great opportunity to step in and start his career as a head coach and at a wonderful place like Auburn. He’s put in years of investment in getting this program where it is. (I’m) so happy for Steven.”

Steven Pearl has only coached at Auburn throughout his career. He became an assistant in 2017 after serving as the assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2014-15 and then the Director of Basketball Operations from 2015-17 before transitioning to the sideline. Now, he’s worked his way up to the head coach’s seat ahead of the 2025-26 season.

It’ll be tough to replace someone like his father, who turned the Auburn program around and into one of the premier destinations for five-star level talent. It’s up to Steven Pearl to continue that tradition.

For Freeze and the company on the football front, the Tigers are set to travel to No. 9 Texas A&M for Week 5. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN.