why is bruce pearl retiring

Bruce Pearl is retiring as the head coach of Auburn men's basketball because after nearly 50 years in college basketball, he felt it was time to step away when he could no longer give 100% effort or be the relentless competitor expected by Auburn fans. He announced his retirement 42 days before the 2025-26 season and expressed that he needed to focus on being a great husband, father, and grandfather. Pearl will move into an ambassador role at Auburn as a special assistant to the athletic director and is not pursuing a political career despite earlier rumors. His son, Steven Pearl, who has been his associate head coach for 11 seasons, will take over as Auburn's head coach on a five-year contract.