In a move that shocked the college basketball world, Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl is retiring after 11 years with the program, according to multiple reports Monday, and will be replaced by his son, Steven Pearl.
The head coach at Auburn since the 2014-15 season, Pearl led the Tigers to six NCAA Tournament appearances in his time on the Plains, as well as two Final Fours. Pearl also turned the Tigers in a nationally relevant program, and steps down as the most accomplished head coach in Auburn basketball history.
In addition to that, Pearl, alongside Alabama head coach Nate Oats, also helped turn the “Iron Bowl of Basketball” into one of college basketball’s truly elite rivalries today, something that is likely to endure going forward.
Since 2014-15, Alabama and Auburn have went back-and-forth on the hardwood, producing many instant classics along the way. Overall, Pearl finishes his career with an overall record of 11-12 against Alabama head-to-head since 2014-15, as well as 5-7 against Nate Oats.
Here is a look at what some Alabama fans are saying on social media following the shocking reported retirement of Pearl on Monday.
Breaking: Bruce Pearl is expected to retire as the head coach of Auburn, sources tell @jeffborzello and @PeteThamel.
His son, Steven, is expected to be the head coach for the upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/COP9Be5Uqc
— ESPN (@espn) September 22, 2025
Bruce Pearl’s final game as Auburn Head Coach inside Neville Arena pic.twitter.com/LVXK4sxYHL
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) September 22, 2025
If Bruce Pearl retires his last game in Neville arena will be a loss to Bama
— Bear Bryant’s Burner (@TheBearsBurner) September 22, 2025
The last game Bruce Pearl coached in Neville pic.twitter.com/KOcVNW3QFD
— Tide Hoops Enjoyer (@HoopsOnlyGump) September 22, 2025
Bruce Pearl in his time at Auburn:
— 11-12 vs. Alabama
— 5-7 vs. Nate Oats— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) September 22, 2025
Bruce Pearl helped elevate the Iron Bowl of Basketball to where it is now on the national stage.
Going to miss him going against Nate Oats.
— Matthew Whatley (@__whatley__) September 22, 2025
Like him or not, Bruce Pearl did an elite job at @AuburnMBB. It was a gutter pit before him. This is coming from an Alabama fan.
— Jeremy Richey (@JeremyLRichey) September 22, 2025
Mark Sears spoiled Bruce Pearl’s final game at Auburn’s Neville Arena with this game-winner: pic.twitter.com/wlV51cc6Aj
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) September 22, 2025
The first matchup of last season’s Iron Bowl of Basketball was the 44th all-time meeting in the entire sport between teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2.
The Crimson Tide fell 94-85 at home, but Pearl’s first words of his opening statement in the postgame press conference didn’t have… https://t.co/vwHKm1GFg2
— Hunter De Siver (@HunterDeSiver) September 22, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama reactions to Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl’s retirement
