#BREAKING: Matt Gatens Returns to Auburn Men’s Basketball as General Manager, Signaling New Era of Strategic Excellence
In a move that has sent ripples through the college basketball world, Matt Gatens has officially rejoined Auburn men’s basketball—this time not on the bench, but in a groundbreaking role as General Manager of the program. The announcement, confirmed early Friday morning by Auburn Athletics, marks a bold step forward for head coach Bruce Pearl and the Tigers as they seek to modernize their operations and build toward sustained national prominence.
Gatens, a former assistant coach at Auburn during the 2021–2023 seasons and most recently the associate head coach at Iowa, returns to The Plains with an expanded vision. In this newly created GM role, he will oversee NIL strategy, player retention and development infrastructure, advanced analytics integration, and staff coordination across recruiting and scouting.
“Matt is one of the sharpest minds in college basketball,” said Coach Pearl in a statement. “He knows what it takes to win in the SEC, and more importantly, he knows how to build relationships, manage evolving rosters, and navigate this new era of college athletics. Bringing him back to Auburn is a win on every level.”
At just 35, Gatens represents a new wave of basketball leadership—combining the experience of a former standout player (Iowa Hawkeyes, 2008–2012) with the strategic acumen of a modern program builder. His return to Auburn signals a renewed focus on holistic athlete development, NIL engagement, and off-court excellence.
Speaking to reporters at Neville Arena, Gatens didn’t hold back his excitement.
“This is home,” he said, wearing a navy and burnt orange tie. “I know what this program means to the fans, the university, and to Coach Pearl. The chance to return and help lead Auburn into this next phase, where recruiting, culture, and competitive edge all intersect—it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Gatens’s GM duties will include spearheading Auburn’s evolving NIL collective relationships, coordinating the basketball operations department, and helping develop long-term roster strategies in the wake of increased transfer portal activity and early NBA declarations. Essentially, he becomes Auburn Basketball’s chief architect off the court.
“College basketball has changed,” Gatens continued. “You’re managing a team like a pro franchise now. And at Auburn, we’re going to be at the front of that movement.”
Already, Auburn insiders report that Gatens has begun work on restructuring player development metrics, implementing new performance analysis software, and collaborating with Auburn’s athletic department on retention incentives for high-impact underclassmen.
His return comes at a critical time for the Tigers, who are coming off a strong Sweet 16 appearance and looking to reload after the departure of several key contributors to the NBA Draft and the transfer portal.
“Matt’s return gives us not just continuity, but innovation,” said Auburn athletic director John Cohen. “He’s one of the few people in college basketball who truly understands where the sport is going—and how to get there first.”
As Auburn sets its sights on a Final Four run in 2026, Gatens’s leadership behind the scenes may prove as vital as any on-court performance. One thing is clear: the Tigers are all-in on redefining what elite college basketball looks like—and Matt Gatens is now at the center of that vision.
