Auburn AD Calls for Patience in Basketball Transition Year

Athletics director John Cohen emphasizes the importance of patience and perspective as the team adjusts to a new head coach.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Auburn University's athletics director John Cohen is urging fans to have patience and perspective as the men's basketball team goes through a transition year under new head coach Steven Pearl. Cohen emphasized that adjusting to a new coaching staff and system will take time, and called for supporters to maintain realistic expectations as the team works to build a foundation for future success.

Why it matters

Auburn's basketball program has struggled in recent years, and the hiring of Steven Pearl as the new head coach represents a critical juncture for the team. Cohen's comments aim to manage expectations and prevent unrealistic demands on the first-year coach as he works to implement his vision and rebuild the program.

The details

Cohen acknowledged that the transition to a new head coach will be challenging, but expressed confidence in Pearl's ability to turn the program around over time. He emphasized the need for patience as the team adapts to Pearl's coaching style and system, noting that significant progress may not be immediately visible.

  • Auburn hired Steven Pearl as the new head basketball coach in April 2025.

The players

John Cohen

The athletics director at Auburn University, overseeing the school's sports programs.

Steven Pearl

The newly hired head coach of the Auburn men's basketball team, taking over the program in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Patience and perspective are key as we go through this transition year. Adjusting to a new coaching staff and system will take time, and we need to maintain realistic expectations as the team works to build a foundation for future success.”

— John Cohen, Athletics Director (on3.com)

What’s next

Cohen indicated that the university will continue to support the basketball program and provide the necessary resources for Pearl to succeed in the long term.

The takeaway

Auburn's athletics director is urging fans to have patience and realistic expectations as the men's basketball team goes through a transition year under a new head coach. The focus is on building a strong foundation for future success, rather than immediate results.