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Steven Pearl Takes Over at Auburn With Overhauled Roster, Faster Style

Auburn pivots to a portal-driven rebuild around lone returner Tahaad Pettiford with staff continuity.

Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) celebrates with students as Auburn Tigers take on Tennessee Volunteers at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Tennessee Volunteers 53-51.
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Overview

  • Ira Bowman was elevated to associate head coach and Matt Gatens moved into an on-court assistant role, with Corey Williams, Mike Burgomaster and Ian Borders remaining on staff.
  • Steven Pearl said Auburn's NIL backing now sits in the SEC's “upper five,” bolstering efforts to attract transfers.
  • The 2025-26 roster includes 10 newcomers, with Pettiford set to start at guard after returning despite NBA draft interest.
  • Pearl plans a quicker pace with an emphasis on forcing turnovers, noting the team is smaller than last season and that offense is ahead of defense early.
  • Auburn cites recent portal success stories such as Walker Kessler and Johni Broome as its template as it prepares for the Nov. 3 home opener against Bethune-Cookman.