How could Pearl’s retirement impact Auburn’s Final Four chances?

Why did Bruce Pearl suddenly retire? 

Bruce Pearl, 65, has long been connected to a post-coaching career in politics, potentially a Senate run in Alabama. However, he’s not planning to enter politics this year, per CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander and Isaac Trotter.

Bruce Pearl has yet to speak with the media about his retirement, but perhaps he has lost his love of the game, like former Virginia Cavaliers HC Tony Bennett. Bennett, of course, suddenly retired before the start of the 2024-25 season.

Without their HC, the Cavaliers regressed last season, going 15-17 and missing the Big Dance. Could the same thing happen to Auburn this season?  

Does Steven Pearl have what it takes to replace his father?

Steven Pearl served as an assistant coach and associate HC on his father’s staff for the past eight seasons. Except for that, he has no other coaching experience. 

Luckily for Steven Pearl, he’s taking over a talented team. In a story published Aug. 5, Borzello ranked the Tigers the No. 14 team in the country in his preseason poll. Still, he noted they’ll face challenges after they lost all five starters this offseason, including forward Johni Broome (6-foot-10, 240 pounds). 

The frontcourt concerns raise questions about Auburn winning the SEC Tournament for a second consecutive season. The conference had a record 14 teams make the NCAA Tournament last season, including the Florida Gators, the reigning national champions. 

The conference should be just as competitive this season. Excluding the Tigers, Borzello had five SEC teams in his latest preseason top 25. 

Auburn fans grew accustomed to prosperity under Bruce Pearl. During his 11-year tenure with the program, he went 244-123 and guided the program to two Final Fours. However, they should lower expectations for his son’s first season. Winning the SEC is hard enough. Now, do it with a first-year HC who’s dealing with some roster turnover.