Overview

• Bruce Pearl, 65, announced his decision in a 14-minute video, saying he could no longer give 100% and that it was time to pass the torch.
• Associate head coach Steven Pearl, 38, has been elevated to head coach on a five-year contract after 11 seasons on Auburn’s staff.
• Pearl transitions to a special assistant to the athletics director, reinforcing ties to the program rather than entering politics.
• Auburn’s roster enters a 30-day transfer-portal window triggered by the head-coaching change, creating near-term player-movement risk.
• Pearl departs as Auburn’s winningest coach after 11 seasons, delivering two Final Fours, multiple SEC titles and a 32-6 campaign that earned him co-AP Coach of the Year.