Gus Malzahn shares a close, lasting friendship with a true Auburn legend, the 65-year-old Auburn basketball HC. He calls Malzahn a “dear friend” and mentor, showed up for his UCF debut, calling him “brother,” and keeps the friendship rolling through texts and golf. Yet their connection goes far deeper than that. When Malzahn and FSU toppled Alabama, the Auburn legend made his support loud and clear. He took to Twitter, praising Malzahn with a playful cartoon: the “Gus Bus” rolling over Alabama’s elephant mascot. And the lettering on the bus nodded to Auburn, navy, and orange. So it was a subtle, cheeky tribute and a reminder of the bond between two legends of the Plains. Now, with the era of Auburn’s 65 YO legend coming to a close, Gus Malzahn shares a touching tribute.
When Auburn’s basketball HC, Bruce Pearl, announced his retirement on Monday after 11 seasons, the news sent waves through the college sports world. And Florida State’s Gus Malzahn was quick to respond. He reshared the retirement video with a heartfelt note. “Brruuuce. What a career,” wrote Malzahn. “So happy for you, my friend. You are a true Auburn legend! Enjoy retirement. See you on the course this summer!” It was a simple message, but one that captured decades of friendship, respect, and shared memories. Now, coming off a Final Four run in March, Coach Pearl leaves Auburn with a storied, legendary career. And that’s true.
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After nearly 50 years in coaching, Bruce Pearl announced his retirement, ending a storied career that included six NCAA Tournament appearances, three SEC regular-season titles, two Final Fours, and two SEC tournament titles. Given that, his record at Auburn stands at 246-125. “I reached the realization that it’s time for me to step aside,” said Pearl in a teary-eyed 14-minute video. “When I got to the point where I could not give it my all, where I wasn’t 100%, it was going to be time.” But Pearl’s impact goes beyond wins and losses.
Known for his outspoken nature and even his political commentary, he used his platform to shine a light on issues he cared about, like American hostage Eden Alexander in Gaza. Though he downplayed speculation about a Senate run, Pearl will stay at Auburn as a special assistant to AD John Cohen, who called him a “college basketball Hall of Famer.” On top of that, Cohen praised his dedication to student-athletes. “It has been a pleasure watching Coach Pearl love the student-athletes so deeply and take pride in their success both on and off the court,” stated Cohen. But now, as the Pearl era ends, who will fill the massive shoes of the 2025 AP National Coach of the Year?
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Okay, Auburn made it official. Bruce Pearl’s son, assistant coach Steven Pearl, will take the reins, signing a 5 year deal to lead the program. Although it’s a bold shake-up. But the change also sets off more movement. Auburn’s roster now has a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal. And it will start on September 23. So, the countdown has begun, and the Tigers could see major roster shifts. Besides that, the coaching change also invites questions of nepotism.
Auburn fans voice opinions on the coaching shift
When Bruce Pearl stepped aside just weeks before the season, all eyes turned to his son Steven Pearl. But the announcement sparked instant controversy online. And fans quickly raised eyebrows over the move, labeling it nepotism. And the reason is very obvious. At 38, Steven has less than 10 years of coaching experience. Although he has spent his entire career working under his father, that’s not enough. And so the debate starts.
“Bruce Pearl is a selfish SOB,” wrote one Michigan fan. “Retiring so soon before the season starts so Auburn can’t do a true coaching search and your son can take over as HC. Nepotism.” And then another fan added, “Only ever coached under his dad. I’m sure it’s the best hire for Auburn.” But that wasn’t the end; even Kansas fans joined in, joking about “Bruce Pearl nepo baby” matchups. And here’s the twist. Despite the backlash, the Auburn administration showed full faith in Steven.
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AD John Cohen said, “Throughout our detailed process, it became obvious to me and our staff that Steven Pearl was clearly the best fit for Auburn. His expertise in coaching defense, his skills as an evaluator, recruiter, teacher, and motivator, and his relationships with our student-athletes and staff were paramount.” So, Auburn didn’t just make him interim; they signaled trust in the next generation of Pearls. Let’s see how Auburn basketball unfolds this season under its new coach.