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Sonny Smith announces retirement as Auburn basketball radio analyst

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•11/06/24•

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Former Auburn coach Sonny Smith
© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Auburn coach Sonny Smith announced his retirement as the Tigers’ basketball radio analyst Wednesday. He served as the color analyst since 2012 and served as the program’s head coach from 1978-89.

Auburn will honor Smith in December when the Tigers take on Richmond at Neville Arena. Another former coach, Randall Dickey, will replace him as color analyst alongside Andy Burcham.

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“After years courtside as both a coach and a broadcaster, it is time to pass the mic and reflect,” Smith said in a statement. “The front row seat was more than a job; it was love for the game. As the color commentator, I had the privilege of bringing the game to life, going beyond the stats and scores by adding a little extra color to the game.”

Under Smith’s leadership, Auburn made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 1986. All told, he had a 173-154 record on The Plains, including a 101-58 mark during that five-year stretch. Smith won the SEC’s Coach of the Year award in 1984 when he took the Tigers to the big dance with a team led by future Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.

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“Coach Smith is an Auburn icon, not only for his many historic accomplishments as Auburn’s head coach, but as an ambassador for the basketball program and athletics department during his time as its radio analyst,” said Auburn Sports Properties General Manager Ben Harling. “His knowledge of the game, sense of humor and unique perspective will certainly be missed on the radio broadcasts.”

Over the course of his coaching career, Sonny Smith also spent time at East Tennessee State and VCU before retiring in 1998. He ended his career with a 339-304 record before going into broadcasting with a radio show in Birmingham. In 2012, he joined the Auburn Sports Network as color analyst.

But even though he’s hanging up his headset, Smith made it clear he plans to still be around the Tigers. He’ll just have some different seats.

“I’ll forever be grateful for the time I worked with Jim Fyffe, Rod Bramblett, and Andy Burcham, along with everyone at the Auburn Sports Network,” Smith said. “It was a chance to stay close to the sport I love and to share the excitement, passion, and spirit of Auburn Basketball with all of the Auburn Family. I may have turned off my mic for now, but don’t worry-I’ll still be the loudest person yelling at the refs from the stands, so you haven’t heard the last of me yet!!”