Why Tennessee’s Rick Barnes had an inkling that Auburn’s Bruce Pearl was about to announce his retirement
Earlier this week, Bruce Pearl became the latest college basketball coach to announce his retirement, despite still being considered one of the top coaches in the sport. Pearl, who was the Tennessee Vols’ head coach from 2005 to 2011, announced on Monday that he’s stepping down as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers. Pearl […]
Earlier this week, Bruce Pearl became the latest college basketball coach to announce his retirement, despite still being considered one of the top coaches in the sport.
Pearl, who was the Tennessee Vols’ head coach from 2005 to 2011, announced on Monday that he’s stepping down as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers.
Pearl served as Auburn’s head coach from 2014 to 2025. He led the Tigers to two Final Four appearances, two SEC Tournament championships, and three regular season SEC championships.
During his time at Tennessee, Pearl led the Volunteers to 2008 SEC regular season championship. Pearl also guided Tennessee to the Elite Eight in 2010.
Pearl’s son, Steven, a former Vols basketball player, is set to take over as the head coach at Auburn.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes had an inkling that Bruce Pearl was about to retire
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes met with reporters on Tuesday and he revealed that Pearl indicated to him recently that retirement was on the way.
“Bruce and I spoke last week,” said Barnes. “He sort of led me into his intentions and what he was thinking about doing. I’m happy for him. I really am because I think that what he said and what he meant through his statement and talking to him, he felt it was time and I certainly respect that. You look at him everywhere he’s been — he’s built a winning program, he’s done a great job.”
Barnes went on to add that he thinks Steven will a great job as Auburn’s head coach.
“I think Steven (Pearl) will do a great job,” said Barnes. “I mean, you can’t live with someone like Bruce and not understand the game, being around the game. I think that over the years as I’ve grown up and matured every year, I think I could tell you from the first time I met Steven the same thing [about him]. I will say that about all the coaches on my staff as I watch them grow.
“I think Steven has worked hard, and I think the fact that Auburn has given him this opportunity speaks volumes of what they think of him….I think that Bruce, obviously over the last couple of years, probably didn’t make any decisions in the program that he didn’t sit down with Steven to talk about. This is something that I knew that he wanted and I’m happy for him. I’m happy for Steven. And there’s no doubt he’s going to continue to do a great job.”
Barnes will get his first chance to coach against the Steven Pearl version of Auburn on January 31 when the Tigers visit Knoxville.
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