Bruce Pearl Makes Major Addition to Staff

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl made a major announcement on Friday. Matt Gatens rejoined the Tigers' basketball program after seven years away. He is returning to the program as its new general manager. Pearl spoke after making the announcement, praising Gatens for what he can bring to the Tigers.

"The key to my success has been surrounding our program with good people," Pearl said. "I’ve known Matt since the day he was born as his parents were friends of mine when I was an assistant at Iowa. Matt’s first job after his professional playing career was as a graduate assistant here at Auburn. He went off to do great things as an assistant coach and put himself in a position to potentially be named Iowa’s head coach last year. It’s great to have Matt and his family back in Auburn.

"It was important for me to have someone who had strong experience and understanding the challenges of Name, Image and Likeness. I also wanted someone who could help us not only be the best we can be in NIL, but also with managing player and roster development."