Oliver "Buddy" Pough, the all-time winningest football coach in South Carolina State University history, was named Director of Athletics at his alma mater following one of the most successful coaching careers in HBCU football history.
A legendary figure in South Carolina State athletics, Pough retired after 21 seasons as head football coach, compiling a remarkable 151-93 overall record and a 115-44 mark in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play. His tenure was highlighted by eight conference championships, including outright titles in 2008, 2009 and 2021, along with shared crowns in 2004, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2019.
A four-time MEAC Coach of the Year, Pough guided the Bulldogs to four appearances in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013. His crowning achievement came in 2021 when South Carolina State captured its first Cricket Celebration Bowl championship, defeating nationally ranked Jackson State and securing the program's fifth HBCU National Championship.
Under Pough's leadership, South Carolina State consistently ranked among the nation's premier FCS and HBCU football programs. His 2009 team finished 10-3 overall, won a second consecutive MEAC title with a perfect 8-0 conference record and earned national recognition as Black College National Champions. The Bulldogs finished seventh nationally in the major FCS polls and advanced to the FCS Playoffs for the second straight season.
The 2008 squad posted a 10-2 record, captured the school's first outright MEAC championship in 14 years and returned to the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 1982. Pough's 2010 team finished 9-3 overall, tied for the conference title and earned a third consecutive playoff appearance. In 2013, he orchestrated one of the greatest turnarounds in school history, leading the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record and a share of the MEAC championship after a losing season the year before.
Pough became South Carolina State's 14th head football coach in 2002 and immediately made an impact, posting a 7-5 overall record in his inaugural season. The Bulldogs followed with an 8-4 record in 2003 and consecutive 9-2 campaigns in 2004 and 2005. After back-to-back 7-4 seasons in 2006 and 2007, South Carolina State reached double-digit wins in 2008 and 2009 while compiling perfect 8-0 conference records both years.
Throughout his coaching career, Pough developed numerous professional football players, including former NFL standouts Joe Thomas, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, Alex Taylor, Antonio Hamilton, Decobie Durant and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl linebacker Darius Leonard.
Before returning to South Carolina State, Pough spent five seasons as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina, including three years as running backs coach under Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz. During his tenure, the Gamecocks earned consecutive Outback Bowl appearances in 2000 and 2001.
Prior to the collegiate ranks, Pough established himself as one of South Carolina's premier high school coaches. He led Fairfield Central High School to a perfect 15-0 record and a Class AAA state championship in 1996, earning South Carolina High School League Coach of the Year honors. He also enjoyed a successful stint at Keenan High School in Columbia.
As a student-athlete, Pough was an All-MEAC offensive lineman at South Carolina State and earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from the university. During his final two seasons as a player in 1973 and 1974, the Bulldogs posted a 15-7-1 record, won a conference championship and made consecutive postseason appearances.
Following graduation in 1975, Pough began his coaching career at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School before returning to South Carolina State as an assistant coach in 1979. During his tenure as an assistant, the Bulldogs advanced to consecutive NCAA Division I-AA Playoff appearances in 1981 and 1982.
A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Pough and his wife, Josie, are the proud parents of two sons, Oliver "Bud" Pough IV and Lee Judson Pough, and daughter-in-law Dr. Natalie Odom Pough. They are also the grandparents of two granddaughters, Taylor Michelle Pough and Olivia Grace Pough.
