Coach Pough's Retirement: MEAC Commissioner Stills Shares Her Thoughts

MEAC commissioner shares her thoughts on the retirement of South Carolina State's head coach.

Kyle T. Mosley | Aug 25, 2023

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.

Published Aug 25, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: