By Yuvraj Tyagi
Copyright timesnownews
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl, one of college basketball’s most controversial yet successful figures, is expected to retire before the 2025–26 season, according to reports. His son, Steven Pearl, currently the associate head coach, is tipped to take over. The 65-year-old has not only transformed Auburn basketball into a national powerhouse but also amassed an estimated $10 million net worth in 2025, despite a career marked by triumphs and NCAA turbulence. Pearl’s retirement rumours have also ignited speculation about a possible run for the U.S. Senate. With Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville reportedly eyeing a gubernatorial bid, Pearl has been floated as a potential replacement. On the “Scott Jennings Show” in July, Pearl dismissed politics as a necessity to create change, saying, “I don’t know that I have to be a Senator in order to make an impact.” From Barbecue Gate to Auburn Redemption Pearl’s journey to wealth began with modest salaries at Southern Indiana and Milwaukee before his 2005 leap to Tennessee, where he earned $1.5 million annually. His tenure ended abruptly in 2011 following “Barbecue Gate”—a recruiting violation and cover-up that cost him his job, a $3 million contract, and nearly halved his net worth. He rebuilt through media roles before Auburn handed him a lifeline in 2014. At Auburn, Pearl’s contracts, incentives, and endorsements restored his fortunes. A 2022 extension guaranteed $50 million over eight years, cementing his status among the SEC’s highest-paid coaches. His fiery persona also translated into endorsements with Nike and Gatorade, worth $2 million annually. Despite brushes with NCAA scandals—most notably the Chuck Person bribery case in 2017—Pearl weathered the storms, turning Auburn into an SEC powerhouse with two Final Fours and record-breaking wins. Now with his legacy secure and his net worth reaching $10 million, Pearl faces a new chapter. Whether that includes politics, business ventures, or full retirement, his career illustrates both the risks and rewards of high-stakes college athletics.
