Legendary South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough announces retirement

Head coach Buddy Pough is a legend at South Carolina State and HBCUs in general, having been the head coach at SC State since 2002. Now, he’s announced that 2023 will be his last and he will retire following the end of the season.

Pough has certainly earned his retirement following a lifetime spent in college football. He addressed this decision in front of his team ahead of the season, giving them an emotional statement.

“I wanted to let you all know before the season got underway. No one is running me off. It’s my decision. When you have done something for 47 years, it’s a bit tough to give it up but it’s time. I will be all right,” Pough said.  

“I’ve had a great ride here at SC State and I will continue to care about each one of you the rest of my days. Now, let’s go out and have a good season.”

Buddy Pough played for SC State from 1971 to 1974. He quickly got into coaching after that time came to an end, first at the high school level and later as an assistant at SC State. He also spent time as a high school coach in South Carolina and as an assistant for the South Carolina Gamecocks before he earned the head coaching job at his alma mater.

2023 will be Pough’s 22nd season as the head coach at SC State. He has a 146-87 record in his time there, having won the MEAC eight different times. He also made the FCS playoffs on four occasions, including every year between 2008 and 2010.

In 2021, Buddy Pough led SC State to the Celebration Bowl. There, he met Deion Sanders and Jackson State, beating Jackson State by a score of 31-10.

SC State Acting Athletics Director Keisha Campbell says that the news of Pough’s retirement is bittersweet.

“We all know that tenures have to end at some point, but I’m a bit saddened by Coach Pough’s decision,” Campbell said. “Coach Pough has brought much success to the Bulldog football program and has played a major role in enhancing the SC State brand. We wish him much success in his final season and know that he will continue to be a loyal son to the university.”

SC State President Alexander Conyers added to that, praising Buddy Pough for the leader he has been to the students.

“Coach Buddy Pough is more than just a legend on our campus and the world of college sports. He is a living example to our students of what it means to be a loyal alumnus.  For more than two decades, Coach Pough has instilled what we like to call ‘Bulldog Tenacity’ into his players and staff members, building their character for success on the field, in the classroom and in life. Coach Pough filled monster-size shoes when he took over as head coach, and his successor will have to do the same.”

When Buddy Pough took the SC State job, he replaced the legendary Willie Jeffries. Now, he leaves his own massive shoes to fill.