Auburn MBB Releases Emotional Bruce Pearl Farewell Video—“It’s Time”

Auburn University Men’s Basketball social media has released a farewell video from retiring Head Coach Bruce Pearl.

In the fourteen minute video, an emotional Pearl thanked a number of people, commended the Auburn family and fans for their support, and highlighted the successes his teams and his players have had during his tenure.

In part, Pearl said:

“Eleven years ago, my family and I moved to the loveliest little village on the Plains. We dug in here. We built roots in Auburn, Alabama. And together, with your unwavering support, we built this program from the ground up, and took it to heights that never before had been reached. Together, we created the best home court advantage in all of college basketball—Neville Arena. Together, we did everything we could to make Auburn the Everything School that it is.

“Being the Head Coach of Auburn Basketball was the privilege of my life, the opportunity to join with so many of the legendary coaches of the past and present. I’m truly grateful.

“I’ve been a part of college basketball for almost fifty years, and the truth is, it’s time. I told myself when I got to the point where I could not give it my all, where I wasn’t necessarily one hundred percent, or I couldn’t be the relentless competitor that you expected of me, that it was going to be time.

“Our players, our coaches have truly loved Auburn; and Auburn, you truly loved our teams. Auburn family, thank you for letting me be me. Thank you for letting me be a proud American Jewish patriot that loves this country with all his heart. 

“Over the past several years, there's not been a better basketball program in the country than Auburn, in large part because of our incredible Auburn family and that fan base. And the DNA of this program? It won't be changing. I am incredibly confident of the future of this basketball program, to continue to recruit student athletes that want to be coached, that want to be great, and they want to continue to make history. 

“Auburn is our home. Frankie and I are staying right here. Many of you know that I thought and prayed about maybe running for United States Senate, maybe to be the next great Senator from the State of Alabama. That would have required leaving Auburn.

“Instead, the University has given me an opportunity to stay here and be Auburn’s Senator. I need to focus now on being a great husband, being a great father, being the best grandfather I possibly can be. At the same time, as an Ambassador at Auburn, I'll do everything I can to keep helping Auburn be the very best version that it possibly can be.

“But for me now, it’s time to take off that jacket—the one that Brandy and my family encouraged me to put on, and pass that jacket on to somebody else who is uniquely qualified to maintain the level of success of this basketball program

“Auburn family, I truly love you. We truly love you, but I hope you understand—it’s time.”

Pearl’s remarks seem to indicate that he will not be entering the race for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat, as has been rumored.

Steve Pearl has been confirmed as his father’s replacement as Auburn Head Coach.

The full video can be seen on Facebook, X or at the link below: