Bruce Pearl started coaching when he was just 22 years old. In 1982, a young boy dipped his legs in the waters to experience the world of coaching. He started his career with an assistant coach stint at Stanford and his first head coach job came in 1992 when Pearl got the reins of Southern Indiana. Pearl joined Auburn in 2014.
After 43 years of coaching career, Bruce Pearl has shocked the basketball world with his retirement news. As for Auburn, the team is in the capable hands of Bruce Pearl’s son Steven. However, a lot of fans might not agree with that.
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The college basketball world was not expecting this decision from Bruce Pearl. Fans showed confusion about his age, his decision and his successor for Auburn.
“I’m legit curious, is this not nepotism to its core? Lol,” one fan commented.
“Is he that old to retire now?” one fan asked.
“Auburn’s Bruce Pearl retiring? Huge loss for hoops, but whispers of a ‘26 Senate run are LOUD. His bold MAGA support & fierce pro-Israel stance could ignite the GOP base in Alabama. Steven taking over is a proud moment, but is Coach Pearl trading the court for Congress?” another wondered.
“Is his son even ready to replace him or is this some sort of favouritism scheme?” another fan suspected nepotism.
“I’ve heard he’s going into politics,” one user speculated.
“Nepotism, lovely,” another said.
“Auburn’s decision to elevate Steven Pearl shows confidence in legacy, loyalty, and long-term vision,” one fan supported the decision.
“This is Nepotism. What if his son is not ready,” one fan doubted.
“Wow, What a coincidence! Wonder how much the @SEC @GregSankey paid Bruce and Auburn to get him to do it now? I mean, he’s been talking about it for a while but now? Hmm, seems like a…. Hey, stop looking at the AU OU FB game we rigged and look here, Bruce is retiring! Pathetic,” one fan suspected a conspiracy.
Is Bruce Pearl’s Son Steven Ready for the Auburn Challenge?
Father Bruce Pearl and Auburn certainly think Steven is ready for the big step. He has been a part of the coaching staff at Auburn since 2017. He was a little older than when his father was when he started his coaching career.
In nine years of experience alongside his father at Auburn, Steven has clearly learned from the best. The father-son duo has led Auburn to become the conference regular season champions. In Bruce Pearl’s last season, Auburn had an impressive 32-6 record which included 15-3 in the SEC.
With two conference tournament championships and three conference regular season championships, Bruce Pearl bids adieu to the Tigers after 11 years. Now it’s time for Steven to make his father proud and carry forward his legacy.
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