Auburn Tigers men’s basketball head coach and one of the most beloved men in the SEC Bruce Pearl made some massive headlines on Monday when news broke that he was retiring from coaching and his son Steven was becoming Auburn’s new head coach.

Pearl has brought the Auburn program to new heights since arriving in 2014, making two Final Fours as well as five SEC regular season and tournament championships.

His tenure on The Plains has been by far the most success the program has seen in its entire history, and he will always be loved by Tigers fans.

It’s not just the fanbase that was grateful for Pearl either, though. It’s his colleagues as well.

While addressing the media on Monday afternoon after the news had broken, head football coach Hugh Freeze began his press conference by talking about Pearl and their relationship as well as of course congratulating him on such a legendary coaching career.

“His record speaks for itself from the Final Fours, to SEC titles to draft picks, NCAA tournaments, and truthfully all of his is great,” Freeze said.

“But truly, he’s one of the best men I’ve ever met. He’s endeared himself to me as a friend and been there every step of the way for me. I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone who makes everyone in the room feel honored like he does. I know I’ll still get to laugh with him and see him at the lake and be around him but certainly will miss being in the foxhole together somewhat.

“Congratulations to his son Steven on this great opportunity to step in and start his career as a head coach at a wonderful place like Auburn. He’s put in years of investment to get this program where it is, so I’m happy for Steven, he’s also a good friend and I look forward to developing a deeper relationship with him like I have his father.”

Hearing Freeze share the details behind a relationship which is obviously closer behind the scenes than fans might have even known should make Tigers fans smile as the level of connectivity at Auburn continues to flourish. It certainly sounds like Steven has Freeze’s stamp of approval, and exciting times are ahead for the program.