Auburn Makes Historic Announcement After NCAA Tournament Loss
The Auburn Tigers reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated from national title contention.
Auburn lost to the eventual national champion Florida Gators in the Final Four, just after going an epic run in March Madness.
Before losing to Florida, Auburn defeated Michigan State, Michigan, Creighton and Alabama State.
Their total season victories, up until their Elite Eight win over the Spartans marks the most wins in program history for the Tigers, including the regular season and the NCAA Tournament, 32 wins.
Auburn was led by Naismith Player of the Year runner-up Johni Broome and freshman star Tahaad Pettiford.
Broome capped off the season averaging 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. The Auburn star was No. 8 in the nation in terms of average rebounds and clearly established himself as one of the best two-way players in the country during his fifth college basketball season.
Pettiford finished his freshman season averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The former blue-chip recruit wound up declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft after the Auburn Tigers’ NCAA Tournament run.
While they were unable to hoist a banner or trophy for Auburn, these players and this team will be remembered forever in Tigers history.
Following Auburn University’s men’s basketball team’s recent loss to the Florida Gators in the NCAA Final Four, the university made a historic announcement that has captured the attention of the sports community. On March 23, 2025, Auburn appointed Larry Vickers as the new head coach of its women’s basketball team, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
Background on Larry Vickers
Larry Vickers brings a wealth of experience to Auburn’s women’s basketball program. Prior to his appointment, he served as the head coach of Norfolk State University, where he led the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Over nine full seasons, Vickers compiled an impressive record of 177 wins and 99 losses, with a remarkable 83-13 record over the last three seasons. His tenure at Norfolk State was marked by consistent success, making him a standout candidate for the position at Auburn.
Significance of the Appointment
Vickers’ hiring is notable not only for his coaching achievements but also for the broader implications it holds. His transition from leading an HBCU program to a Power Five conference team is a rare occurrence, highlighting Auburn’s commitment to diversity and excellence in collegiate athletics. This move sets a potential precedent for other major programs to consider successful coaches from historically Black colleges and universities, enriching the competitive and cultural landscape of college basketball.
Auburn’s Women’s Basketball Program
The appointment of Vickers comes after a period of transition for Auburn’s women’s basketball team. Former head coach Johnnie Harris was relieved of her duties on March 6, 2025, following a four-year tenure that yielded a 58-63 record. The search for Harris’ successor was thorough, with Auburn exploring various candidates before selecting Vickers. His track record of building competitive teams and fostering player development aligns with the university’s aspirations for its women’s basketball program.
Impact on the Auburn Community
Vickers’ appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the Auburn community. His reputation for leadership and success offers a renewed sense of optimism for the women’s team, which has faced challenges in recent seasons. The Auburn family anticipates that Vickers will bring a fresh perspective and strategic approach, aiming to elevate the team’s performance in the Southeastern Conference and on the national stage.
As Auburn’s women’s basketball team enters a new era under Coach Larry Vickers, the focus shifts to building upon past experiences and striving for greater achievements. The Auburn community, along with fans and analysts, will be closely watching the team’s progress in the upcoming seasons, hopeful that Vickers’ leadership will usher in a period of renewed success and competitiveness.
