March Madness has yet again taken over the college hoop world, and Auburn is headlining. The Tigers fought their way through the South Region, defeating No. 2 seed Michigan State 70-64. Now, they will be taking on their SEC rival Florida in the Final Four.
However, there is a chance of an upset, considering their star forward, Johni Broome, is battling injuries. Nevertheless, Auburn is looking to make history. Before they do, who are the people behind their historic run?
Auburn Basketball Coaching Staff: Bruce Pearl, Steven Pearl, Ira Bowman, and Other Names to Watch Out For
Bruce Pearl – Head Coach
The legendary Bruce Pearl is in his 11th season leading Auburn’s basketball program. Pearl currently ranks 12th among active Division I head coaches in career wins. Under Pearl, Auburn went on to win its first-ever No. 1 national ranking and a Final Four appearance in 2019.
Bruce Pearl with the latest on Johni Broome.
“We are going to go Tuesday and Wednesday without him. He needs to let that elbow rest.” pic.twitter.com/PCbs0cYM2U
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 1, 2025
Prior to Auburn, Bruce Pearl coached at:
- Stanford (Assistant, 1982–1986)
- Iowa (Assistant, 1986–1992)
- Southern Indiana (1992–2001)
- Milwaukee (2001–2005)
- Tennessee (2005–2011)
- Auburn (2014–Present)
Steven Pearl – Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator
Steven Pearl, as perhaps the name has given it away, is Bruce’s son. He was promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2023. Steven is the one responsible for Auburn’s scouting, defensive strategies, and in-game adjustments. Over the past seven years, Auburn has won four SEC titles and made five NCAA Tournament appearances. And no doubt, Pearl has played a role in the same. He has recruited first-round picks like Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, and Jabari Smith.
Ira Bowman – Assistant Coach
Ira Bowman has been on Auburn’s coaching staff for six seasons. Since he joined the Auburn clan, the college has consistently ranked among the top programs. Bowman is a former player and has managed to sign big names to the squad.
Corey Williams – Assistant Coach
Corey Williams joined Auburn’s coaching staff not so long ago. He brings 23 years of coaching experience to the table. If that wasn’t enough, Williams was a part of the 1993 Chicago Bulls team that won the NBA title alongside Michael Jordan.
Corey Williams was also a star player at Oklahoma State. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Draft despite not playing football since junior high.
Prior to Auburn, Corey Williams coached at:
- Oklahoma State (1994 – Student Assistant)
- Oral Roberts (2000–2007)
- Florida State (2007–2013)
- Stetson (Head Coach, 2013–2019)
- Arkansas (2019–2021)
- Texas Tech (2021–2023)
- Auburn (2023–Present)
KEEP READING: Auburn vs. Florida Prediction: Johni Broome Looks To Lead Tigers to First Title
Mike Burgomaster – Assistant Coach
Mike Burgomaster has spent over 6 years in various roles within the Auburn basketball program. It was only ahead of the 2023-24 season that he was finally promoted to the assistant coach position. Burgomaster has played an integral role in developing the Tigers’ offensive strategies.
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