why did bruce pearl retire

Bruce Pearl retired as Auburn's men's basketball coach just before the 2025-26 season, at the age of 65, stating he could no longer give his all or be the relentless competitor expected of him. He announced in a 14-minute video that "it's time" to step down, after nearly 50 years involved in college basketball. Pearl leaves as the most successful coach in Auburn history, having led the Tigers to two NCAA Final Fours and achieving a record 32 wins in the last season. His son Steven Pearl will take over as Auburn's head coach. Bruce Pearl will remain at Auburn in an ambassadorial role as a special assistant to the athletics director. Although there had been rumors about a potential run for U.S. Senate, Bruce Pearl denied any imminent political ambitions but did express having considered it.