Auburn legend Sonny Smith announces his retirement as analyst for the Tigers basketball radio team

AUBURN, Ala. (WBRC) – Legendary Auburn Tigers basketball coach Sonny Smith has announced his retirement from his broadcasting duties on the Auburn Sports Network, the university announced Wednesday.

Smith was head coach of the Tigers from 1978 to 1989 and led the team to five consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 1984 to 1988, the most consecutive appearances in school history.

The 1984 team, led by Smith and Auburn legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, marked the first time ever that Auburn appeared in an NCAA tournament.

The following season, 1985, Smith led the Tigers to their first-ever SEC Tournament Championship.

Smith has been a member of the Auburn broadcasting crew since 2012, providing commentary for the men’s basketball team.

“After years of working on the court as a coach and presenter, it is time to pass the microphone and think. That front row seat was more than a job; it was love for the game. As a 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.

I will be forever grateful for the time I spent working with Jim Fyffe, Rod Bramblett and Andy Burcham, along with everyone at the Auburn Sports Network. It was an opportunity to stay close to the sport I love and to share the excitement, passion and spirit of Auburn Basketball with the entire Auburn Family. I may have turned off my microphone 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!!

Thank you to Andy, Brad Law and Ben Harling, along with Auburn Basketball and the entire Auburn Family, for giving me the opportunity to give back to the sport and the university I love. I hope you will welcome me back to the front row as an eternal fan. This is coach Sonny Smith, signing for…War Eagle!’

Smith’s head coaching career lasted 22 years and included tenures at East Tennessee State and Virginia Commonwealth. He is a member of both the Alabama and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fames.

Auburn says Smith will be honored for his contributions ahead of the Tigers’ Dec. 8 game against Richmond at Neville Arena.

Randall Dickey, who was the Tigers’ head coach from 2010 to 2014 and took over for Smith the past two seasons, will take over as full-time analyst for Auburn men’s basketball radio broadcasts.

Receive news alerts in the Apple App Store And Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.