Coach Pough's Retirement: MEAC Commissioner Stills Shares Her Thoughts
HOUSTON — Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough is an HBCU legend. The 2023 MEAC/SWAC Challenge will be the 22nd season opener in the final season of Buddy Pough's storied career along the sidelines. The 2021 HBCU National Championship coach has masterfully crafted the careers of several NFL players. On Sundays, we would hear the names of Shaq Leonard, Javon Hargrave, and Decobie Durant make stellar defensive plays in the professional league. The veteran coach excelled off the field by producing high-character young men prepared for real-world challenges. After 47 years of guiding athletes, hanging up his coach's whistle and shelving his playbook will leave a massive void in the HBCU coaching ranks.
"Coach Pough has been a true pioneer in the MEAC," MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills told HBCU Legends. "His success on and off the field in the Bulldog Nation is unmatched. We are proud of the Dean of MEAC Football, and he will be missed."
Pough is South Carolina State's winningest head football coach. His wisdom and ability to beat the best of the best in HBCU football at the critical time is unmatched. Deion Sanders and Jackson State can testify to this fact after their loss to him in the 2021 Celebration Bowl. Even last season, the eventual 2022 HBCU Champions, NCCU Eagles, were bested by Pough. Stills mentioned that the conference will remain connected to the legendary coach, leaving the door open after he says farewell this season.
"He has a wealth of knowledge, and I will definitely lean on him when needed. He is an expert, an awesome coach, and an administrator. But I will take his lead and allow him to retire, and when he is ready, we will welcome him back with open arms," Stills noted.
South Carolina State's farewell tour for Coach Pough hopes to begin with a victory over Jackson State on Saturday night in the 2023 MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Orangeburgh will be different without Buddy Pough. What's the next step for the Bulldogs program as interim director of athletics, Keshia Campbell, begins the search for his successor?
We shall see.