Auburn's Pearl retiring ahead of 2025-26 season

Auburn's Bruce Pearl announced he's retiring after 11 seasons on Monday to take an ambassador role within the program's athletics department.

"I have been at this for almost 50 years, and truthfully, as hard as it is for me to say this, I have come to the realization that it's time for me to step aside. Being the head coach at Auburn has been the privilege of my life," Pearl said in a statement.

Assistant coach Steven Pearl, Bruce's son, is reportedly set to sign a multi-year contract to become the Tigers' next head coach, sources told ESPN's Jeff Borzello.

Pearl led Auburn to its second-ever Final Four appearance this past spring, capping a campaign in which the Tigers set a school record with 32 wins, claimed the SEC's regular-season title, and earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. He'll finish his Auburn tenure with a 246-125 record.

"Throughout his five decades on the court, Bruce has energized fan bases, won championships, helped student-athletes graduate, worked with young people to achieve their dreams, and impacted countless lives. The marks of a true college basketball Hall of Famer," athletic director John Cohen said.

Overall, Pearl guided the Tigers to six NCAA tourney appearances, including both of the program's Final Four runs. Auburn also captured at least a share of three SEC regular-season titles and won two SEC tournament championships under the 65-year-old's watch.

Pearl had coaching stints at Tennessee, Milwaukee, and Southern Indiana before arriving at Auburn. The Boston native was dismissed from his role with the Volunteers after six seasons in 2011, following charges by the NCAA for unethical conduct and lying during an investigation into recruiting violations.

The former Tigers sideline boss dismissed speculation regarding a potential run for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat, insisting he plans to serve as a special assistant to the athletics director, in addition to holding an ambassadorial role.