Bruce Pearl spent 11 seasons at Auburn, including Final Four runs in 2019 and 2025.

Pearl was a longtime Iowa assistant who also coached at Southern Indiana, Milwaukee and Tennessee.

Purdue plays Auburn on Dec. 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the Indy Classic.

When Purdue men's basketball faces Auburn in the Indy Classic this season, the Tigers will reportedly not have their two-time Final Four coach on the sideline.

Auburn announced Bruce Pearl is stepping down and assuming a role as special assistant to the athletics director. ESPN's Jeff Borzello first reported Pearl was expected to announce his retirement.

Steven Pearl, Pearl's son, signed a five-year contract to succeed him. His father coached the Tigers to the Final Four last season and also in 2019.

Purdue plays Aubur

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