AUBURN, Ala. –Legendary Auburn men's basketball coach Sonny Smith is retiring from his duties as a radio analyst for Auburn men's basketball games. Smith has been commentating on Auburn men's basketball on the Auburn Sports Network since 2012.

“After years of coaching and hosting, it’s time to pass the mic and reflect,” Smith said. “That front row seat was more than a job; It was love of the game. As a color commentator, I had the privilege of bringing the game to life and going beyond the stats and results by adding a little more color to the game.”

Smith will be honored for his contributions prior to the Auburn men's game against Richmond on Dec. 8 at Neville Arena.

“I will be forever grateful for the time I spent working with Jim Fyffe, Rod Bramblett and Andy Burcham and everyone else at the Auburn Sports Network,” Smith said. “It was an opportunity to stay close to the game I love and 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 shouting at the referees from the stands, so you haven't heard the last of me!!”

Smith served as Auburn's head coach from 1978 to 1989 and led the Tigers to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 1984 to 1988, the most consecutive appearances in school history.

“A heartfelt thank you to Andy, Brad Law and Ben Harling, as well as Auburn Basketball and the entire Auburn Family for giving me the opportunity to give back to the sport and university I love,” Smith said. “I hope you will welcome me back to the front row as a forever fan. This is Coach Sonny Smith saying goodbye…War Eagle!”

In 1984, Smith led Auburn to its first 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 also as an ambassador for the basketball program and athletics department during his time as a radio analyst,” said Ben Harling, general manager of Auburn Sports Properties. “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 its first-ever Elite Eight appearance a year later. Smith was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1988 and was NABC District Coach of the Year in 1984. He was the first Auburn coach to record three consecutive 20-win seasons (1984-86), including Auburn's seven NCAA Tournament victories, the most of any coach in program history.

Smith's head coaching career spanned 22 seasons, including stints 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 the past two seasons, will assume the position of full-time analyst for Auburn men's radio broadcasts. Dickey worked as a basketball coach at the collegiate level for over 30 years, including four years at Auburn from 2010 to 2014.