The head coach of Auburn Tigers men’s basketball, a well-respected figure in the SEC, made waves on Monday as it was announced that he is retiring from coaching. In his place, his son, Stephen, is set to take over as the new head coach.

Since 2014, Pearl has remarkably elevated the Auburn program, leading the team to two Final Fours and clinching five regular-season and tournament championships.

This period has been the most triumphant in the history of the program, earning Pearl immense admiration from Tigers fans.

However, the gratitude extends beyond just the fanbase; his colleagues feel the same way.

During a media session on Monday afternoon, football coach Hugh Freeze began by expressing his appreciation for Pearl, acknowledging their relationship while congratulating him on a remarkable coaching career.

“His accomplishments are impressive—from the Final Four to various NCAA tournaments and draft successes. It’s all remarkable,” Freeze remarked.

“But more than that, he’s one of the finest individuals I’ve ever known. I truly value his friendship and his support at every step. It’s hard to find anyone more honorable than him.

“Congrats to my son, Stephen, on this fantastic chance to kick off his head coaching journey at a prestigious place like Auburn. He’s dedicated so much time to this program, and I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Freeze’s comments highlight the strong camaraderie between him and Pearl, which should bring a smile to Tigers fans as the network within Auburn continues to thrive. Stephen appears to have his father’s backing, suggesting that exciting times are on the horizon for the program.