Bruce Pearl addresses run for senate in heartfelt tribute to Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. (WHNT) — The assumption by many following Bruce Pearl’s retirement announcement was that he could be running for Alabama’s soon to be vacant senate seat, but Pearl says not so fast my friend.

In a 14-minute heartfelt tribute to Auburn on X, formerly known as Twitter, Pearl addressed the rumors of running for senate. Pearl essentially shut down the rumors that he would be running for senate.

“Many of you know that I thought about running for US senate,” Pearl said. “That would’ve required leaving Auburn. Instead, the University has given me an opportunity to stay here, and be Auburn’s senator, as an ambassador at Auburn.”

Auburn officially announced Bruce was stepping down Monday afternoon. Shortly after, the school announced Steven, Bruce’s son, has been promoted to head coach. According to multiple reports, Steven signed a multi-year deal with the Tigers.

Pearl, 65, is by far the best basketball coach the program has ever had. Since stepping foot on the plains in 2014, he has become the Tigers’ all-time wins leader, gone to the Final Four twice, and won three SEC regular season championships and two SEC tournament championships.

While the retirement comes as a bit of a shock, Pearl teased that the end may be near earlier this month.

In an interview with college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Pearl said that a huge factor in when he hung up the whistle for the final time would be that he goes out when he feels like he’s still at the top of his coaching game.

Auburn officially started practice Monday.