AUBURN, Ala.—Legendary Auburn men’s basketball coach Sonny Smith is retiring from his duties as radio analyst for Auburn men’s basketball games. Smith has been providing commentary for Auburn men's basketball on the Auburn Sports Network since 2012.
“After years courtside as both a coach and a broadcaster, it is time to pass the mic and reflect,” Smith said. “That 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.”
Smith will be honored for his contributions prior to the Auburn men’s game on Dec. 8 at Neville Arena against Richmond.
“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!!”
Smith served as Auburn's head coach from 1978-89, guiding the Tigers to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 1984-88, the most consecutive in school history.
“A heartfelt thanks to Andy, Brad Law, and Ben Harling along with Auburn basketball and the entire Auburn Family for allowing me the opportunity to give back to the sport and university I love,” Smith said. “I hope you will welcome me back to a front row seat as a forever fan. This is Coach Sonny Smith, signing off…War Eagle!”
In 1984, Smith directed Auburn to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, led by future Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. The following season, Smith coached the Tigers to their first-ever SEC Tournament Championship in 1985, winning four games in four days en route to the conference title.
“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,” Auburn Sports Properties General Manager Ben Harling said. “His knowledge of the game, sense of humor and unique perspective will certainly be missed on the radio broadcasts.”
A native of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, Smith led Auburn to its first-ever Sweet 16 appearance in 1985 and a year later to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance. Smith was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1988 and was the NABC District Coach of the Year in 1984. The first Auburn coach to have three consecutive 20-win seasons (1984-86), his seven NCAA Tournament wins at Auburn are the most by any coach in program history.
Smith's head coaching career spanned 22 seasons including stops at East Tennessee State (1976-78) and Virginia Commonwealth (1989-98). Smith was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.
Randall Dickey, who previously filled in for Smith during the last two seasons, will take over as the full-time analyst for Auburn men’s radio broadcasts. Dickey spent over 30 years working and coaching basketball at the collegiate level, including four years at Auburn from 2010-14.