Chennis Berry, who led Benedict to back-to-back 11-1 seasons, has reached an agreement with SCSU as their new head football coach.

SCSU President, Alexander Conyers announced Thursday during a board meeting that Berry would lead the Bulldogs football program. Berry is succeeding longtime coach Buddy Pough, who announced his departure ahead of the season.

Berry has held the head coaching position at Benedict since 2020. He was previously the associate head coach at Southern University, and also held offensive coordinator positions at Morgan State, North Carolina A&T, and Howard. 

Clark Artis, President of Benedict College congratulated her former head football coach on his new position in a Facebook post.

“It is with a mixture of sadness and pride, that I congratulate Chennis Berry on his decision to become the Head Coach of our D1 Sister-HBCU, SCSU,” Artis said.

“Chennis Berry built a winning football program at Benedict College. He made history and broke records on and off the field. I am proud of what was accomplished during his tenure. And I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his impact on the young men he coached, the staff he mentored, and the institution he served with pride and integrity.”

“While I HATE to see him go, I celebrate with, and for, him and his beautiful wife. They will remain valued friends and I wish them all the BEST. Chennis Berry will always be #TheBESTofBC!”

The announcement comes a day after Berry was announced as the consecutive recipient of the Region 2 Coach of the Year Award.

Ahead of the announcement, news broke that Berry had been offered the head coaching job at South Carolina State University. According to a report from Steven Gaither at HBCU Gameday, Berry had been sent an offer from SCSU last week.

Berry has yet to release any comments or statements at this time.