Auburn basketball's Steven Pearl promoted to associate head coach
AUBURN — Auburn basketball's Steven Pearl has been promoted to associate head coach, the program announced in a press release Tuesday afternoon. The upcoming 2023-24 season will be his 10th with the Tigers.
Pearl, the son of head coach Bruce Pearl, first joined AU's staff when his father was hired in 2014. He was elevated to be an assistant coach ahead of the 2017-18 season and has held that position for the last six seasons, helping the Tigers make four appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
"He is a younger version of me," Bruce Pearl said in a statement. "He has been able to stay up-to-date on the game, recruiting and technology. He has a knack for finding talent, especially in the age of the transfer portal. This decision has the full support of our coaching staff and the administration."
Steven played four seasons under his father at Tennessee from 2007-11, appearing in 101 games and making one start. He averaged 8.4 minutes a contest and shot 48.3% from the field.
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"I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the trust so many people here at Auburn have put in me," Steven said. "To BP, our administration, the board, our amazing coaching staff, our student-athletes, supporters of our program and the Auburn Family at large — thank you for this honor. I recognize how privileged I am to be able to come to work every day for the Auburn men's basketball program, and I do not take that for granted.
"I couldn't be more fired up about the direction and future of our program. I promise you I will stop at nothing to help the program bring home more championships to Auburn. We are just getting started. War Eagle!"
Steven is one of three assistant coaches on Bruce Pearl's bench, joined by Ira Bowman and Corey Williams; Williams was hired in April after Wes Flanigan left for Ole Miss. Other staff members include director of operations Chad Prewitt, recruiting coordinator Mike Burgomaster and director of player development Marquise Daniels, among others.
"Steven has been an integral part of the success that we've had at Auburn from the beginning," Bruce Pearl said. "Many people may forget that he started as an assistant strength coach and worked his way up through our program. He has been able to recruit and coach at a very high level. His ability to communicate and teach our system to our players is second to none. He is truly one of the best assistant coaches in the country and has earned this promotion."
Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on Twitter @rich_silva18.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Steven Pearl promoted to associate head coach for Auburn basketball
