AUBURN, Ala. – On the morning on Wednesday, Sept. 24, many people gathered at the Woltosz Football Performance Center to help officially usher in a new era for the Auburn men's basketball program.

Steven Pearl was officially introduced as the program's head coach after his father, Bruce, elevated it heights it hadn't previously seen during his 11 seasons at its helm.

Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen started by acknowledging Bruce Pearl's contributions to Auburn basketball.

"Before we look ahead, let's take a few moments to look back," Cohen said. "Quite simply, Bruce Pearl is a hall of famer. I look forward to 2030, when we fully expect Coach Pearl to be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame."

Cohen praised Steven Pearl for his ability to coach a defensive style of basketball, something that is often overlooked on the hardwood.

"He helped Auburn improve dramatically on defense," Cohen said. "Steven understands that even in an up-tempo, 3-point oriented game in the modern era, that if you score 100 points in a game, that's great. But if you give up 102,   ain't nobody happy."

Steven Pearl opened by thanking President Chris Roberts, Cohen and other administrative staff members he was worked with during his time with the program.

He followed that by describing how his involvement in the sport has developed since his days as a player at Tennessee. He gave the timeline of his progression as a member of Auburn's staff and sumarized what different roles have taught him.

"I've been preparing for this moment my entire life," Steven Pearl said. "The last 16 years, I've been in every aspect that is college basketball. That journey has shaped how I lead, how I listen and how I build. It's given me a front-row seat to the principles of what has made this program so successful."

Steven Pearl admitted he has his work cut out for him in this role. He has a better idea of just how significantly the standard has been raised since his father took over as the program's head coach than almost anyone.

Steven Pearl is ready to face that challenge with everything he has.

“I fully understand the responsibility," Steven Pearl said. "I embrace it with gratitude, humility and resolve. I know it comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. It’s a different level of expectation, and it’s a gold standard that Bruce Pearl has brought to this fine institution, this fine basketball program."

Steven Pearl acknowledged the importance of retaining Auburn's coaching staff and encouraged the current members of the team and their parents.

This was done by assuring them the framework of the program will remain the same.

“Before we talk about where we’re going, let’s first share how I see the foundation we’re building on," Steven Pearl said. "There’s a famous saying, excuse my English, but ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ I’d be a fool if I were to change things just for the sake of changing, just to prove to people that I’m not BP. The truth is, so many of the principles and the practices that we’ve built this program on over the last 11 years are things that all of us have had our hands on every single day on this staff to have the success we’ve had over the last 11 years." 

While Bruce Pearl may not be with the team day in and day out, Steven Pearl explained how he plans to lean on his father. Providing advice and support to players and coaches alike as a mentor, Bruce Pearl's impact will still be felt on and off the court. 

“I’m not asking him to come to practice every day," Steven Pearl said. "I’m not going to watch film with him every day. There needs to be some separation there. I’m going to ask him to come to practice every once in a while just to bring some additional love and energy into the building. Or if we lose a tough game and our guys need a little pick me up, I’d be crazy not to call him and ask him to come and talk to the guys."

Steven Pearl described the outpouring of support he has received from former teammates, players, coaches, fellow staff members and more. He also made sure to credit his family, including Bruce Pearl, for the role they have played in helping him get to this point.

It's a new era for Auburn basketball, and Steven Pearl is excited to be at the center of it.

"It's an honor to lead this university and this program into the next chapter of Auburn basketball," Steven Pearl said.