Steven Pearl's first season as the Auburn head coach has been a predictable disaster. It's a train wreck that everyone could see coming from the outset, and even Auburn fans are finally accepting the reality that the Tigers made a program-altering mistake by handing a five-year contract to a coach with zero head coaching experience and with no other program lobbying for his services.
Bruce Pearl announced his retirement in late September, less than two months before the start of Auburn's season, and right before the team started practicing. It's a decision he almost certainly knew he was going to make after Auburn lost to Florida in last season's Final Four. But he waited until then to do it.
Why? So Auburn's roster would be locked in, and the administration would have no choice but to hire his son, Steven Pearl, at least on an interim basis. That the Tigers were foolish enough to hand him a five-year contract was just the icing on the cake.
Alabama fans knew it. So did fans of every other team outside of Lee County. And now Auburn fans can no longer deny that nepotism is why they are stuck in this situation, because the elder Pearl came right out and said that it's the reason Pearl the lesser is now in charge:
NEW: Bruce Pearl on Auburn and his son Steven sitting on the NCAA tournament bubble:
— On3 (@On3) March 4, 2026
"Am I rooting for my son to make the NCAA Tournament? Of course I am. Did I help my son get the (Auburn) job, nepotism? Of course, I did."
(via @DontAtMeDD) https://t.co/S2Q2mKfMf3 pic.twitter.com/4t6yaL9ryb
Bruce Pearl admits he used "nepotism" to help Steven Pearl get the Auburn job
The younger Pearl has proven immediately to be totally unqualified for the job. And now Auburn is headed back toward the cellar, where they spent the majority of their basketball history before the elder Pearl arrived.
Auburn has won just two SEC games since January 31st. At 16-14 and 7-10 in the SEC, the Tigers are squarely on the bubble heading into Saturday's matchup at Coleman Coliseum against Alabama. The Crimson Tide will have the opportunity - barring an unexpected extended run in the SEC Tournament - to put the finishing touches on a bargain bin season for the Tigers and send them running to the NIT.
And this is only the beginning. Because his Dad won't be building next season's roster for him. Their most talented player, Tahaad Pettiford, will be on the first thing smoking out of Auburn after the elder Pearl's deceptive play for his son left him on a rudderless ship.
The days of Jeff Lebo and Tony Barbee are back on the Plains with Steven Pearl in charge.
At least the trees on Toomer's Corner will catch a nice break in both the fall and spring now.