Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl is not running for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026, sources close to Pearl’s deliberations tell Yellowhammer News. 

The decision comes after months of speculation spurred by reports that Pearl had taken meetings with Republican operatives and officials in weighing a bid for the open seat.

It was reported earlier this month that Pearl was “leaning against” running and intended to make a final call by the end of the month, following a summer of political conversations.

Pearl’s political chatter reached a fever pitch when U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) made it official and cleared the way for a wide-open GOP primary by launching a 2026 bid for Governor of Alabama.

On Monday, news also broke that Pearl is stepping down as head coach of the Auburn University men’s basketball team, and that his son, Steven Pearl, will lead the team in the 2025-26 season.