JUST-IN; A Legendary Comeback After Retirement: Buddy Pough Returns To South Carolina State As Interim Athletic Director

After retiring in 2023, Buddy Pough is making a return to South Carolina State as the interim athletic director, according to a report from WLTX on Thursday afternoon. This marks Pough’s second stint in this role, having previously stepped in as interim athletic director in 2023 following the departure of Keisha Campbell, who now works with Morgan State University Athletics.

This time, Pough will be taking over for Nathan Cochran, who left the position after the football season wrapped up. “On behalf of the Bulldog family, I thank Dr. Cochran for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” stated SCSU President Alexander Conyers in a release.

Pough holds the title of South Carolina State’s all-time winningest head football coach, with an impressive record of 146–87 overall and 112–42 in conference play. He joined the program in 2002 and led the Bulldogs to two national championships in 2009 and 2021. Under his leadership, the team also won or shared the MEAC championship title eight times between 2004 and 2021.

Pough coached several players who went on to successful NFL careers, including Darius “Shaquille” Leonard and Javon Hargrave. In his final season, Pough’s team finished with a 5-6 record but secured notable victories over eventual 2023 MEAC Champion Howard University and Norfolk State University.

South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough announces retirementBuddy Pough

Now, Pough returns to oversee the Bulldog athletic department until a permanent athletic director is appointed after a thorough search. His return comes after a successful tenure in football and the continued growth of the department.

Pough was also key in hiring former Benedict College head coach Chennis Berry, who succeeded him as football coach. Under Berry’s leadership, the Bulldogs had a remarkable first season, finishing 9-3, undefeated in the MEAC, and securing the MEAC Championship. The Bulldogs also earned a spot in the Cricket Celebration Bowl, although they lost 28-7 to Jackson State.

Pough’s return as interim athletic director will help guide the department through this transitional period, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of South Carolina State’s sports programs.

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