Former Auburn Tigers men’s basketball Star Steven Pearl is about to take over as Tigers Head Coach following Bruce Pearl…
In a move that has electrified the Auburn basketball community, Steven Pearl, the son of current head coach Bruce Pearl, is set to take over as head coach of the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team. This transition marks a significant milestone in the program’s history, blending continuity with fresh leadership.
Steven Pearl has been an integral part of Auburn’s basketball program for nearly a decade. Joining the staff in 2014 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, he quickly ascended through the ranks, serving as the Director of Basketball Operations before being promoted to assistant coach in 2017. In 2023, he earned the title of associate head coach, reflecting his growing influence within the program .
Under his guidance, Auburn has achieved remarkable success, including three SEC Championship titles, four NCAA Tournament appearances, and a historic Final Four run in 2019. His keen eye for talent has been instrumental in recruiting standout players such as Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler, and Johni Broome, all of whom have made significant impacts both at Auburn and in the NBA .
Steven’s promotion to head coach comes at a time when the Tigers are at the pinnacle of college basketball. In the 2024–25 season, Auburn achieved a school-record 32 wins, secured an SEC regular-season title, and advanced to the Final Four as the No. 1 overall seed . Bruce Pearl, who has been at the helm since 2014, has been named co-winner of the 2025 Associated Press Men’s College Basketball Coach of the Year award, sharing the honor with Rick Pitino of St. John’s .
The transition of leadership from father to son is expected to be seamless, with Steven Pearl poised to continue the program’s upward trajectory. His deep understanding of Auburn’s culture, combined with his experience and vision, positions him to build upon the foundation laid by his father. As Auburn looks to the future, the Tigers are in capable hands, ready to chase more championships under Steven Pearl’s leadership.