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Earlier this month, reports emerged linking Auburn Tigers basketball coach Bruce Pearl to a potential Senate run should Alabama senator and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville not seek re-election.
Those reports were quickly brushed away as little more than speculation. After all, Pearl, 65, just led the Tigers to the Final Four a season ago. But now it appears the reports may be more possible than anybody first thought.
BREAKING: Bruce Pearl is expected to retire as the head coach at Auburn, sources tell me and @PeteThamel. His son, Steven, is expected to be the head coach for the upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/gmCAUUQgCD
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) September 22, 2025
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello stunned the college basketball world on Monday when he reported that Pearl was expected to announce his retirement. Borzello also reports that Pearl’s son Steven, who had served as an assistant on his staff, is expected to take over the Tigers program for the upcoming season.
Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl Could Be Lining Up A Senate Run After Retirement
On Sept. 9, Emily Jacobs of Jewish Insider reported that Pearl, who is Jewish, had been approached about running for Senate, but was leaning against doing so.
Jacobs states that Pearl met with campaign operatives and Republicans weighing a run at the senate seat over the summer and gave himself until the end of the month to make a final decision. When asked about it, Pearl did not dispute the rumors of his interest but didn’t offer a committed answer either way.
Now, given the news of his impending retirement, college basketball fans believe that a political run is all but ensured.
https://t.co/7HUmdd3qCO pic.twitter.com/Q1SIoREDE5
— Bob Sacamano (@bearbryantbob) September 22, 2025
One can only wonder if Pearl has chosen to retire from college basketball coaching so that he can run for federal office.
He’s been rumored to be interested in running for Senate to replace another major college sports figure: Tommy Tuberville. https://t.co/fvwopN0t8K
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) September 22, 2025
Congressional run on the way. Lean all the way into the grift. https://t.co/GSphphAeJu
— Mr. Adams (@ImMostlySleepy) September 22, 2025
It’s entirely possible Pearl retired for another reason. Maybe he is dealing with physical or mental health issues. Maybe he just realized he didn’t want to coach anymore.
But the timing is sure interesting giving all the news surrounding his potential political career.