The Auburn Tigers are coming off an incredible season that saw them reach the Final Four before falling to the eventual National Champion, the Florida Gators. That team was special — but fast forward to now, and the program has taken an unexpected turn. Head coach Bruce Pearl is retiring, and his son Steven will take over as the new head coach.
“Bruce Pearl is expected to retire as the head coach at Auburn, sources tell me and Pete Thamel. His son, Steven, is expected to be the head coach for the upcoming season,” ESPN insider Jeff Borzello posted.
The timing of this move is shocking, especially following the season the Tigers just had. However, Pearl did hint at the possibility earlier in September. While he made it clear his departure was coming, no one expected it to happen this quickly.
“Not that much longer Jon. I think it's kind of a balance of life, of time, of work. I love Auburn, I truly do. I want to do it when I am on top of my game. We owe that to our players and our fans. As you get a little bit older, you take it one day at a time,” Pearl said to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein.
One potential reason for Pearl’s early retirement is his desire to pursue a career in politics.
“Pearl has long been linked to a post-coaching career in politics, something he addressed in early September following months-long rumors regarding Pearl as a potential candidate for Tommy Tuberville's open U.S. Senate seat,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Borzello wrote.
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Pearl has enjoyed a highly successful coaching career, and now he may be chasing another lifelong dream. Dreams never die — and while he has the time, he’s choosing to pursue it.
This may mark the end of Pearl’s coaching career, but it could be the beginning of something remarkable for him personally. He was one of the most successful head coaches in Auburn history, and he’s leaving the program on a high note.