Paul Finebaum called Bruce Pearl a “seminal” figure Monday upon hearing the news that the Auburn basketball coach was retiring .

"A truly seminal figure in both Auburn and SEC history," Finebaum, the SEC Network analyst, told AL.com. “He will leave an indelible legacy. One of the most and influential figures in Auburn history and its greatest basketball coach.”

Pearl stepped down as head coach and will move into an ambassador’s role in the athletic department as special assistant to the athletics director.

He is the winningest coach in Auburn men’s basketball history with 232 victories, guiding Auburn to Final Fours in 2019 and 2025, five SEC championships and six NCAA Tournament appearances.

“Eleven years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to become the head basketball c

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