Auburn men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl has the backing of NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley if he decides to run for U.S. Senate.
As candidates compete to replace another Auburn legend, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), after he decided to run for Governor of Alabama in 2026 instead of re-election to the Senate, Pearl has entertained speculation over a potential bid.
Barkley said this week that, should Pearl pursue politics, he would have Barkley’s support.
“I respect and trust him. I just told him to do what he wants to do,” Barkley said. “Obviously, he’s made Auburn basketball relevant, which makes me happy. I said, ‘Hey, man, as much as I love you being the head basketball coach at Auburn, you taking Auburn to two Final Fours, something I never thought would happen, but I do understand.’”
“If he wants to run, I’m gonna support him 100%.”
Barkley saying this as a Democrat is extremely notable, however, he has never been shy about dunking on his own party when he thinks they are on the wrong track.
The latest indication Pearl gave about actually jumping in the race came in a recent FOX News interview, during which he said, “I love my country, but I love being the basketball coach at Auburn,” slightly downplaying the prospect — without fully closing the door.
If Pearl did run for U.S. Senate, he is speculated to attempt to run as a Republican Party candidate with the Republican Party, despite potential qualification issues over his recent support and donations to Democratic candidates, including U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile).
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In doing so, he would enter a field of candidates that include Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, former U.S. Navy Seal Jared Hudson, and reportedly, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), who is expected to announce his campaign for U.S. Senate in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, at least Pearl can count on the support of Charles Barkley.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
