(Full disclosure. I worked at the Times and Democrat from 1994-2014 and covered South Carolina State football for 17 years.)

Buddy Pough returned to lead his alma mater in 2001, succeeding Willie Jeffries. Rarely has a transition from 1 coaching legend to another gone as smoothly as Pough has led the Bulldogs to as many conference titles

(5) and FCS playoff appearances (4) as his former head coach.

This past Saturday, Pough surpassed Jeffries in career wins at the Orangeburg school. He reached career win 129 in the 24-10 win over Morgan State.

The congratulatory messages have come from as far as Chronicle Country.

“Coach Buddy Pough is not only a great coach, but a great husband, father and man,” said Lexington District 1 Athletics Director David Bennett, who coached against Pough during his tenure at Coastal Carolina. “It was a true honor to serve with him on the FCS Board and get to know him and (wife) Jo.

“As an ole Coach said one time, behind every good man, is a great woman. Coach Buddy Pough is a legend of our great state and we have already told several of our student-athletes. If you are fortunate enough the be on his team, you are blessed.”

White Knoll head coach Dean Howell has one of 6 former Chronicle Country players, defensive lineman Shaheem Haltiwanger, on the Bulldogs’ roster.

“Coach Pough has long been one of the most respected coaches in the game for many reasons,” he said. “I have always felt that coaches who are genuine and care for their kids are the coaches who have the most success. That is Coach Pough.”