Auburn Basketball Looks to Add GM Amid Roster Overhaul

New NIL rules and transfer portal changes drive need for front office leadership

Feb. 27, 2026 at 1:33pm

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After a disappointing 15-13 season, the Auburn Tigers basketball program is set to hire a new general manager prior to the upcoming transfer portal window. The move is driven by the changing landscape of college athletics, including the impact of NIL deals and significant roster turnover, as the team looks to rebuild following a 2025 Final Four run.

Why it matters

The addition of a general manager role reflects the growing complexity of managing a college basketball program in the NIL era. With players having more control over their futures through the transfer portal, Auburn needs an experienced front office leader to help construct the roster and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape.

The details

Auburn head coach Steven Pearl will look to hire a general manager before the April 7 transfer portal opening. This is a role the program previously filled, with Matt Gatens serving as GM under former coach Bruce Pearl, but Gatens was promoted to an assistant coach when Bruce Pearl retired. The Tigers roster saw major turnover after their 2025 Final Four appearance, with only one player from that team returning. Auburn is currently on the NCAA Tournament bubble at 15-13, making roster improvements a priority for next season.

  • The 2025-26 basketball season is set to end for Auburn.
  • Auburn will look to hire a new general manager prior to the April 7 transfer portal opening.

The players

Steven Pearl

The current head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team.

Matt Gatens

A former Auburn assistant coach who previously served as the team's general manager under former head coach Bruce Pearl.

Bruce Pearl

The former head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team, who retired after the 2025 season.

Tahaad Pettiford

The only player from Auburn's 2025 Final Four roster who returned to the team for the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“In a world of college athletics that now features NIL and revenue sharing, Auburn is going to need someone to be a front office leader for the basketball program.”

— Justin Hokanson, Reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The addition of a general manager role at Auburn reflects the growing complexity of managing a college basketball program in the NIL era, as teams navigate roster turnover and the evolving recruiting landscape.