Bruce Pearl, one of the most recognizable college basketball coaches of the last two decades, is handing in his whistle effective immediately. Pearl, 65, is stepping down from his post as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers, ending a coaching career that began over 40 years ago.
The surprising news comes just three weeks before Auburn is set to hold an exhibition to tip off the 2025-26 season, and exactly six weeks before the Tigers start their next campaign with a game versus Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 3. Pearl spent 11 years guiding the Tigers and will remain with the athletic department, albeit not on a sideline. He will serve as a special assistant to the athletics director while also being an ambassador for Auburn athletics.
