Auburn first-year head coach Steven Pearl joins Jon Rothstein to discuss taking over the program, year one as the lead man, his roster and one of the most difficult nonconference schedules in the country.

(0:00) Intro

(0:30) Being introduced as Auburn’s head coach

(1:00) Describing the days since becoming the lead man

(3:00) How your schedule changes going from assistant to head coach

(4:45) Growing up with Bruce Pearl as your father

(6:45) How is coach Steven Pearl different from coach Bruce Pearl?

(8:30) Coaching influences and taking tidbits from different programs

(9:45) When did he know coaching was the path for him?

(11:25) His situation and understanding why it’s unique

(13:40) When did he realize he was going to be the head coach of Auburn?

(15:10) First impressions after the exhibition against Oklahoma State

(17:50) Tahaad Pettiford at the top of the scouting report

(19:55) Auburn’s newcomers

(22:30) The pressure of not only following “the guy” but also your father

(24:30) The hardest nonconference schedule ever for a first time head coach

(26:08) The Final Four losses (’19 and ‘24) & lingering wins/losses

(29:50) What are the keys to a successful season in year one?

#CollegeBasketball #CBB #NCAA #BigTen #SEC #ACC #EyeOnCollegeBasketball #JonRothstein #StevenPearl #Auburn

🎥 WATCH

• Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB

• Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live

• Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider

🎧 LISTEN

• Stream and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vk8wq9lunf3agEif1kM8T?si=b4e091007c2545c6

• Download and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eye-on-college-basketball/id268800565

• Stream and follow Inside College Basketball Now with Jon Rothstein & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=9443b63851324a18

• Download and follow Inside College Basketball Now & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867

📱FOLLOW

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOnCBBPodcast

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en

▶︎Gary Parrish: https://twitter.com/GaryParrishCBS

▶︎Matt Norlander: https://twitter.com/MattNorlander

▶︎Jon Rothstein: https://x.com/JonRothstein

📖 READ

• More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/

🛍️SUPPORT

• Shop our merch: https://www.paramountshop.com/collections/eye-on-college-basketball

💵BETTING

• For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/

• Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/

• Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/

🎙ABOUT EYE ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL

CBS Sports’ official college basketball podcast is the most entertaining and informative of its kind. Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander bring the sport into your ears at least three times per week with commentary, reporting, insider information and statistical analysis throughout college basketball all year long.

🎙ABOUT INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW

We’re also the home for Inside College Basketball Now, hosted by Jon Rothstein. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what’s really happening in college hoops. From breaking down the biggest storylines to in-depth interviews with the top coaches in the country, this podcast is your all-access pass to the pulse of the game — 365 days a year. This. Is. March… and everything in between.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices