AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) — Auburn University introduced Steven Pearl as the school’s new men’s basketball coach Monday, following the retirement of his father, Bruce Pearl.
At a news conference, Athletic Director John Cohen praised Bruce Pearl’s success over 11 seasons while officially introducing Steven Pearl as head coach.
PREVIOUS STORY: Bruce Pearl retires as Auburn basketball coach after 11 seasons
“Bruce Pearl is not only a Hall of Fame coach, he’s a Hall of Fame person,” Cohen said.
Cohen emphasized Steven Pearl’s experience and loyalty to the program.
“We need a strong head coach; this opportunity has been earned,” Cohen said. “We knew the next basketball coach at Auburn needed to be someone with extensive SEC coaching experience, someone with a demonstrated history of winning championships. Steven Pearl checks every box.”
Cohen also touched on Steven Pearl’s commitment to recruiting quality athletes, who are legends at Auburn like Johni Broome and Walker Kessler, while remaining loyal to Bruce Pearl after having opportunities to leave the program.
“Steven Pearl checks every box,” Cohen expressed.
Steven Pearl then addressed the media and explained how much the opportunity meant to him.
“It’s an honor to lead this team,” he said.
The newly announced head coach also promoted and introduced Ira Bowman to associate head coach during the news conference.
“Ira Bowman is the total package,” Pearl said. “He’s one of the best assistant coaches in all of college basketball, and he is ready to be a head coach.”
Steven Pearl also provided a message to his team and recalled the heartfelt moments when it was announced that he was going to become the head coach of the basketball team.
“You are such special young men and student-athletes. I can’t thank you enough for your resilience, your trust and your loyalty to Auburn,” Pearl said. “At a time when those three things are far and few between in college athletics, the world can learn a lot from the men in our locker room. I promise you I will go to work every day to reward you for staying loyal to this staff and this program.”
Bruce Pearl announced his retirement Monday after leading the Tigers to their second Final Four appearance last season.
Auburn earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament after winning the SEC regular-season championship but fell to Florida in the Final Four.
“Eleven years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to become the head basketball coach at Auburn, and it has been nothing short of amazing,” Bruce Pearl said in a statement. “I have been at this for almost 50 years, and as hard as it is for me to say this, I have come to the realization that it’s time to step aside. Being the head coach at Auburn has been the privilege of my life.”
Bruce Pearl has hinted at politics after his coaching career and touched on it this month as a potential candidate for Tommy Tuberville’s open U.S. Senate seat but in the video Auburn released announcing his retirement, Bruce Pearl confirmed that he wasn’t and will become an Ambassador for Auburn.
During his 11 years at Auburn, he guided the program to six NCAA Tournament appearances, three SEC regular-season titles, and two SEC Tournament championships.
He posted a 246-125 record with the Tigers and previously coached at Tennessee, Milwaukee and Southern Indiana.
Bruce Pearl ranks No. 11 among active NCAA Division I head coaches in career wins (694) and No. 41 all-time.
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