Who is Steven Pearl? The reported new Auburn head coach has been waiting in the wings for years

AUBURN, Ala. (WHNT) — Legendary Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl’s retirement comes with the immediate question — Who’s going to coach the Tigers this season?

According to multiple reports, Pearl’s successor is his son, Steven Pearl.

The 38-year-old has been an assistant with the program since 2017, including serving as the associate head coach for the last two years. He joined his father at Auburn in 2014 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. Steven has been involved with Auburn during Bruce’s entire tenure.

He played collegiately for Bruce at Tennessee after having an all-state season at West High School in Knoxville during his senior season.

Steven told the Next Round Live in March that he had been offered a head coaching job at Murray State, but turned it down to stay with the Tigers.

“I don’t wanna leave Auburn. I love it here. I want to be here for a long time and continue to take this program to new heights,” Steven Pearl said in that interview.

Auburn formally announced Bruce would be stepping down as head coach on Monday afternoon. Steven was not immediately named head coach, but numerous reports say that he is the heir apparent to the throne.

Auburn will officially start practice tomorrow with their new head man leading the charge.