Auburn Basketball Hires Matt Gatens as General Manager, Assistant to Head Coach
Former Iowa basketball player and assistant coach Matt Gatens is returning to Auburn basketball, taking on the role of general manager and assistant to head coach Bruce Pearl, as announced on June 20.
Gatens previously worked with Auburn as a graduate assistant and now returns to the program after a successful coaching career. “The key to my success has been surrounding our program with good people,” Pearl said in a statement. “I’ve known Matt since he was born, as his parents were friends of mine when I was an assistant at Iowa. Matt’s journey has been impressive, from his professional playing career to his coaching success. It’s great to have him and his family back in Auburn.”
Pearl emphasized Gatens’ expertise in handling the challenges associated with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), a critical element in modern college basketball. “I wanted someone who could help us excel in NIL and also manage player and roster development,” Pearl added.
Gatens has deep roots in Iowa, where he was a standout player at Iowa City High, earning the 2008 Iowa Mr. Basketball award before heading to the University of Iowa. He scored over 1,600 points during his time with the Hawkeyes, playing under coaches Todd Lickliter and Fran McCaffery.
After a stint in professional basketball, Gatens transitioned to coaching, spending time at Auburn, Drake, and eventually returning to Iowa as an assistant coach in 2022. However, following a coaching change at Iowa after the 2025 Big Ten Tournament, Gatens did not remain with the team.
His departure opened the door for his return to Auburn, where he expressed excitement about rejoining the Tigers. “My family and I are thrilled to be back with the Auburn Family,” Gatens said. “Coach Pearl and his staff have created a respected program, and I’m honored to help build on that success. The passion of the community and fanbase here is unmatched. I look forward to contributing to our players’ growth, both on and off the court. War Eagle!”
Under Pearl’s leadership, Auburn has become a powerhouse in college basketball, with the Tigers making a deep run to the Final Four last season. Gatens will now be an integral part of maintaining that momentum and helping the program continue to thrive.
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