Overview

• Pearl said he finalized the decision the day before the Sept. 22 announcement after considering retirement over the summer, including weighing a potential Senate run.
• He described recent weeks of nonstop travel, charity work, university events and Israel advocacy, which he said made full-time coaching unrealistic.
• Pearl will serve as an ambassador for Auburn athletics, with more university events and representation now part of his role.
• Steven Pearl, a longtime assistant and former associate head coach, has taken over the program and retained the staff and direction.
• Despite a 30-day transfer portal window opening after the coaching change, Auburn is keeping its full roster for 2025–26 and will face Oklahoma State in a Wednesday exhibition at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium.