Legendary Auburn Basketball Figure Retires From Radio Broadcasting

A familiar figure in college basketball and radio broadcast made headlines throughout the sports world yesterday.

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Former legendary Auburn Tigers basketball coach Sonny Smith has announced his retirement from his broadcasting duties on the Auburn Sports Network. Smith has been providing commentary for Auburn men's basketball since 2012.

Smith shared his comments on the decision to retire.

“After years courtside as both a coach and a broadcaster, it is time to pass the mic and reflect. 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," said Smith.

Smith was Auburn's head coach from 1978 to 1989, leading the Tigers to five straight NCAA Tournament berths between 1984 and 1988, the most in school history.

Smith guided Auburn to its first NCAA Tournament participation in 1984, with future Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley leading the way. Smith led the Tigers to their first SEC Tournament Championship in 1985, winning four games in four days to claim the conference crown.

Smith, a native of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, guided Auburn to its first Sweet 16 visit in 1985, followed by its first Elite Eight appearance the next year. Smith was voted Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year in both 1984 and 1988, as well as NABC District Coach of the Year in 1984. He was the first Auburn coach to achieve three straight 20-win seasons (1984-86), and his seven NCAA Tournament wins are the most in program history.

Smith's head coaching career lasted 22 seasons, including spells 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 has stepped in for Smith over the last two seasons, will become the full-time commentator for Auburn men's radio broadcasts. Dickey spent more than 30 years teaching and coaching basketball at the university level, including four years at Auburn from 2010 to 2014.

Smith also shared his comments on Auburn and what is next for him moving forward.

“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. 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," said Smith.

Smith typically joins Tide 100.9 every week, discussing basketball and football with Wimp and Barry Sanderson on Inside the Locker Room from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT.

Smith will be recognized for his contributions before Auburn's men's game versus Richmond on December 8 at Neville Arena.

Chase Brumfield is the morning producer and writer for Tide 100.9. He is currently a senior studying communications at Mississippi State University. Follow Chase for more Alabama content on X at @cb3864.