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Bruce Pearl Explains Retirement in First Interview Since Stepping Down

He says expanding travel plus university obligations left him unable to commit fully to coaching.

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.