Auburn Basketball’s First Family: ‘Tears, Work, Love’ and an Apprentice Coming Into His Own
In the heart of Auburn, Alabama, the fervor of college basketball is a familiar and cherished tradition. The Auburn Tigers, known for their gritty defense, fast-paced offense, and passionate fanbase, have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in recent NCAA basketball history. But behind the scenes of Auburn basketball’s meteoric rise to prominence is a story of family, sacrifice, and hard work that transcends wins and losses.
The story of Auburn basketball’s “First Family” begins with a name synonymous with Auburn’s athletic program: Bruce Pearl. As the head coach of the Tigers, Bruce has helped elevate the program to new heights, making Auburn a perennial contender in the SEC and a fixture in the NCAA Tournament. His legacy is not just defined by wins, but by the culture he’s cultivated—a culture built on commitment, accountability, and, above all, family.
The Roots of Auburn Basketball’s First Family
Bruce Pearl’s journey to Auburn was not easy. He had previously built a name for himself at Tennessee, where his dynamic coaching style and personality turned the Volunteers into a powerhouse in the SEC. But after being let go from Tennessee in 2011 due to NCAA violations, Pearl faced a period of uncertainty. Nevertheless, Auburn’s athletic department recognized his potential, and in 2014, they hired him as their new head coach.
For Pearl, Auburn was more than just a place to rebuild his career—it was a place to build something lasting. His reputation as a recruiter, motivator, and tactical mastermind fit perfectly with Auburn’s aspirations, and under his leadership, the program began to shine. But what sets Pearl apart from other coaches is his ability to instill a sense of family within his team.
At Auburn, the word “family” is more than a buzzword. It’s a way of life. When Bruce Pearl arrived at Auburn, he quickly made it clear that his players were not just athletes—they were members of a larger, more extended family. For Pearl, building relationships with his players, their families, and the Auburn community was just as important as coaching basketball.
One of the most touching aspects of Pearl’s tenure at Auburn has been his relationship with his family. Pearl’s wife, Brandy, and his children—his daughter, Jacqui, and his son, Steven—have been pillars of his life. Their support has been unwavering through the highs and lows of his career. But it’s Steven Pearl, Bruce’s son, who has become a key figure in Auburn’s basketball story.
Steven Pearl: An Apprentice Growing into His Role
Steven Pearl, Bruce’s son, has been a fixture of Auburn basketball since his days as a player under his father at Tennessee. When Bruce took the helm at Auburn, Steven followed, and his presence on the sidelines quickly became a symbol of the close-knit nature of the Pearl family. However, Steven’s role at Auburn has not been merely as a coach’s son. He has gradually grown into an influential figure in the Tigers’ coaching staff.
Steven Pearl’s journey at Auburn has not been a straight path. Having played for his father at Tennessee, he transitioned into a coaching role at Auburn in 2014. Initially, Steven had to earn his place. He wasn’t just handed a spot on the staff because of his last name—he was expected to prove himself. And prove himself he did.
When Steven first joined the Auburn staff, many within the basketball community viewed him as a coach’s son—someone who might have gotten the job purely because of his family ties. But over the years, Steven has dispelled any doubts, earning respect for his basketball IQ, work ethic, and the sincerity with which he approaches his role. Through his apprenticeship, he has become a key part of Auburn’s success.
As an assistant coach, Steven has developed a reputation for his ability to relate to players. His personal experience as both a former player under his father and a coach at Auburn allows him to bridge the gap between the coaching staff and the players in ways that few others can. He knows the pressure that comes with playing at a high level, and he understands the balance between demanding excellence while providing emotional support.
“Basketball is about more than just teaching the game,” Steven Pearl explained. “It’s about being there for these guys, showing them how much you care, and holding them accountable. It’s about pushing them to become not just better players, but better people.”
The Role of Tears, Work, and Love
The Auburn basketball family has not been immune to adversity. The road to success has been marked by setbacks, heartbreaks, and moments of doubt. But it is in those moments that the heart of the program is revealed—through tears, through relentless work, and through love.
Bruce Pearl often speaks about the emotional journey that comes with coaching. “It’s not just about basketball. It’s about the relationships you build and the impact you have on the lives of your players,” he said. “There are days when I walk out of the gym in tears because I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished. And there are days when I walk out in tears because I feel like we’ve let someone down. That’s the emotion of the game, and that’s the emotion of this program.”
Steven, too, has experienced his share of emotional moments in his role as a coach. He’s seen players grow from unsure freshmen into confident, capable athletes. He’s been there to witness the victories and the losses. And through it all, he’s remained focused on the same values instilled in him by his father: hard work, commitment, and love for the game.
“It’s not always easy,” Steven reflected. “There are a lot of long nights, a lot of hours spent in the gym, and a lot of tough conversations. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it when you see these young men succeed, when you see them become leaders, when you see them reach their potential.”
Indeed, the foundation of Auburn basketball’s success has been built on these three pillars—tears, work, and love. The players know that their coaches will hold them accountable, but they also know that they are part of something much larger than just a basketball team. They are part of a family.
Auburn’s Rise to National Prominence
In recent years, Auburn basketball has experienced unprecedented success, culminating in a 2019 Final Four appearance. Under the leadership of Bruce Pearl and with Steven Pearl’s guidance, the Tigers have become one of the most exciting and respected programs in college basketball. Their success on the court is a reflection of the culture and values that the Pearls have worked tirelessly to instill.
But as the Tigers rise, they remain grounded in the principles that have shaped their program. Bruce Pearl has often emphasized that the team’s success is about more than just winning games—it’s about creating a family atmosphere that helps players thrive both on and off the court.
For Steven, the 2019 Final Four run was a particularly emotional moment. It was a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. But it was also a testament to the love and support that has defined the Pearl family. In that moment, Steven saw his father’s vision for Auburn basketball come to life in a way that no one could have predicted when Bruce first arrived at Auburn in 2014.
“I can’t describe how it felt,” Steven said, reflecting on the Final Four run. “To see all of the hard work pay off, to see the guys come together and accomplish something so special… It was a dream come true for all of us. But it wasn’t just about basketball. It was about family.”
A Legacy in the Making
As Auburn basketball continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of the Pearl family is firmly cemented in the program’s history. Bruce Pearl’s leadership, combined with Steven’s contributions as a coach, has established Auburn as a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball.
For the Pearls, it’s not about the fame or the accolades. It’s about the relationships, the moments of triumph and failure, and the love they have for the game. It’s about the tears shed in celebration and in defeat, the hours spent working to build something greater than themselves, and the love they have for their players and each other.
In Auburn, basketball is more than just a sport. It’s a way of life. It’s a family affair.
As Steven Pearl continues to come into his own as a coach, his journey is far from over. But one thing is certain—he will always have his family by his side, supporting him as he navigates the challenges and joys of the game he loves.
For Auburn basketball, the future is bright, and the First Family is just getting started.