Auburn Basketball Brings Back Familiar Face as Matt Gatens Returns to Program in Newly Created General Manager Role

Bruce Pearl is no stranger to adapting with the times, and Auburn’s latest offseason move is further proof. In a year when front offices are evolving across college basketball, the Tigers are tapping into a trusted source: Matt Gatens. The former Iowa star and well-respected assistant coach is officially returning to Auburn men’s basketball — this time not on the court, but in a pivotal off-court position as the program’s new general manager.

The title may be new, but Gatens’ connection to Pearl’s system isn’t. He previously served as Auburn’s director of player development during the 2021–22 season, a year in which the Tigers rose to No. 1 in the AP Poll and produced an electric team led by Jabari Smith Jr. and Walker Kessler. That success, along with Gatens’ steady presence behind the scenes, left a strong impression.

Now, with a GM role designed to bridge coaching and administrative tasks, Gatens’ return brings both familiarity and innovation to a program aiming to evolve with the changing structure of college basketball.

A New Era in College Basketball Operations

The idea of a “general manager” in college sports once seemed foreign, reserved for professional teams with complex salary cap situations and multimillion-dollar trade negotiations. But with the rise of NIL, the transfer portal, and new recruiting dynamics, the GM model is now migrating into the NCAA landscape — and fast.

Auburn is one of a growing number of programs to embrace the trend, and Pearl, entering his 11th season on the Plains, isn’t sitting idly by while the college basketball ecosystem reshapes itself. Instead, he’s adjusting his staff to reflect the increasing demands of program management.

Gatens, 35, brings with him a reputation for organization, player development, and recruiting support — skills that are now more essential than ever. In his new post, he’ll be tasked with overseeing roster construction, portal strategy, NIL coordination, and player retention initiatives, while serving as a central figure in Auburn’s basketball operations.

From the Court to the Clipboard: Gatens’ Journey

A native of Iowa City, Gatens was a four-year starter and two-time captain at the University of Iowa from 2008–12. He left the program ranked fourth in career three-pointers made and was one of the most respected players in the Big Ten during his tenure.

After a professional career overseas, Gatens transitioned into coaching — starting as a video coordinator and assistant coach at Auburn in 2021 before accepting a full assistant role at his alma mater under Fran McCaffery. His time at Iowa, most recently as a full assistant, helped him grow into a well-rounded basketball mind. He was praised for his ability to connect with players, break down film, and offer strategic insights during games.

When Gatens left for Iowa, Pearl didn’t hide his admiration. “Matt’s a rising star in the coaching profession,” he said at the time. “He made a big impact on our program, and he’ll do great things back at his alma mater.”

That forecast proved accurate. Gatens grew his resume, added to his recruiting experience, and gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to manage a high-level college basketball team in today’s climate. Now, he brings all that knowledge back to Auburn, with even more responsibility.

What the General Manager Role Entails at Auburn

In the context of Auburn’s program, the GM title is more than ceremonial. Gatens will be the architect behind the scenes, ensuring that the coaching staff — including Pearl, associate head coach Steven Pearl, and assistants Corey Williams and Wes Flanigan — can focus on on-court duties.

Gatens’ primary responsibilities will likely include:

• Transfer portal strategy: Monitoring available players, matching needs with talent, and facilitating communication with prospects.

• NIL coordination: Working closely with Auburn’s NIL collective and compliance team to ensure fair and legal opportunities for players.

• Roster management: Ensuring that scholarship numbers stay balanced while planning for future classes.

• Player development tracking: Collaborating with strength coaches and staff to help athletes grow athletically and personally.

• Team culture: Maintaining continuity and cohesion, even with the constant churn of the modern transfer era.

That last element may be the most important. In today’s environment, where entire rosters can turn over in a single offseason, Gatens’ role will be key to keeping Auburn’s locker room stable and aligned.

Auburn’s Vision: Consistency Through Change

For Bruce Pearl, the move to bring in a general manager speaks volumes about where he sees the game going. He’s long been one of the sport’s most charismatic and forward-thinking coaches — a leader who’s as comfortable on the recruiting trail as he is on the sidelines. But Pearl also understands the pressure that comes with maintaining relevance in a hyper-competitive SEC.

Auburn has been one of the league’s most consistent programs over the last six years, making the Final Four in 2019 and winning an SEC regular-season title in 2022. Yet the path back to the top requires sharp planning and deep infrastructure. Pearl is building that foundation through hires like Gatens — people who understand both the heart of the game and the business of running a team.

Adding a GM to the basketball staff also helps take pressure off the head coach, allowing Pearl to delegate and trust that the day-to-day operational details are being handled by someone he believes in.

A Homecoming That Makes Sense

For Gatens, returning to Auburn isn’t just a career move — it’s a reunion with a place that played a key role in launching his coaching journey. His relationships with Pearl and the Tigers’ staff were strong when he left and remain intact today.

“I’m thrilled to be back,” Gatens said in a statement. “Coach Pearl has built something special here, and I’m excited to help Auburn continue to compete at the highest level. I believe in this program, this university, and these players.”

That belief is mutual. Auburn wouldn’t bring Gatens back if they didn’t see him as someone capable of anchoring their evolving operation. With the ever-expanding responsibilities facing college staffs, a trusted voice who knows both the locker room and the logistics may be just what the program needs.

Bigger Picture: The GM Era is Here

While Auburn is one of the latest programs to announce a general manager hire, it won’t be the last. The SEC and other power conferences are quickly moving toward front-office models that mirror professional sports. Schools like Kentucky, Arkansas, and Alabama have made similar hires in recent years, and others are sure to follow.

What separates Auburn’s decision is the personal fit. Gatens isn’t just a hire to fill a trend — he’s a person with a proven relationship to the program, a record of success, and a hunger to help the Tigers thrive amid chaos.

With his combination of basketball IQ, administrative skill, and communication chops, Gatens is poised to thrive in a job that didn’t even exist a few years ago. That’s the nature of college basketball in 2025: constant change, rapid adaptation, and creative solutions.

By welcoming Matt Gatens back in this new role, Auburn isn’t just hiring a general manager. It’s building a new model for sustainable success — and betting that familiarity, paired with forward-thinking structure, is the key to navigating the sport’s next era.

Welcome back, Matt. The future of Auburn basketball just got a little sharper.