Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, who has finally stepped down from his role and assigned his son the responsibility, had previously gone through a divorce from his first wife, Kim Shrigley.
Despite retiring from coaching, Bruce will remain with the university in an ambassadorial role as special assistant to the athletics director.
His son, Steven Pearl, who had served as associate head coach, has been promoted to head coach under a five-year contract.
Grateful for the foundation that has been laid by BP.
— Steven Pearl (@StevenPearl22) September 22, 2025
Excited to honor and continue his legacy, make more history, and represent this great university.
War. Damn. Eagle. 🦅 https://t.co/HZPRmJ8Fvn
Steven Pearl is his second child from his first marriage with Kim Shrigley, whom he divorced more than two decades ago.
Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, Who Divorced His First Wife Over Two Decades Ago, Now Enjoys Retirement Life With Second Wife Brandy!
Bruce Pearl, the head coach of Auburn University’s men’s basketball team, was married to Kim Shrigley in 1982.
Spending 25 years of life together, the couple divorced in 2007, citing irreconcilable differences.
Although it has not been confirmed, the divorce is believed to have occurred in September 2007, just two days after the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary.
Before the divorce, the couple welcomed a few children, one of whom is Steven, who now appears poised to continue his father’s legacy.
His expertise in coaching defense and all phases of the game, his skills as an evaluator, recruiter, teacher and motivator, and his relationships with our student-athletes and staff were paramount.
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) September 22, 2025
Congratulations, @StevenPearl22 @JohnCohenAD x #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/hYWq5ex3ya
Bruce initially filed for divorce, which was later finalized by both under the understanding despite a few differences in the lawsuit.
After the divorce, Kim opened a hair and nail salon named “Alimony’s” in Knoxville, Tennessee, using funds from the divorce settlement.
On the other hand, in 2008, Bruce remarried Brandy Miller, a native of Sevierville, Tennessee.
Derby time at Storybook Farms. @coachbrucepearl pic.twitter.com/v3GmXEAH4R
— Brandy Pearl (@brandy_pearl) May 3, 2015
The couple co-owns a luxury dog resort and a mobile pet grooming service in Auburn, reflecting their shared love for animals.
While Bruce has now made the decision to step down from professional coaching, his son Steven, from his first wife, seems set to continue his legacy.
In Case You Don’t Know
- In total, Bruce has four children: Steven, Leah, Jacqui, and Michael Pearl.
- Bruce’s daughter, Jacqui Pearl, serves as the Executive Director of The Koinonia Foundation, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities.
- Bruce was formerly the head coach at Tennessee, leading the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight in 2010.
