Bill “Bubba” Bussey, longtime co-host of the “Rick & Bubba Show,” is joining the athletic administration at Jacksonville State.

A Jax State alum, Bussey will serve as the school’s assistant athletics director for broadcasting. He will oversee broadcast operations for various Jax State athletic events, including coaches shows.

“We are excited to add someone with the experience and expertise that Bill has to lead our athletic broadcasting team,” JSU athletics director Greg Seitz said. “He will be a true asset to Jax State when you look at his experience as an engineer, his on-air experience, and his experience in building, daily operation and expanding a network will only help us improve and enhance our athletic broadcasting division.”

Bussey got his start in radio on campus station WLJS while a Jax State student in the early 1980s. He and fellow JSU alum Rick Burgess launched the “Rick & Bubba Show” in 1994 in Birmingham, and the program was eventually syndicated on dozens of stations across the country.

Bussey and Burgess announced earlier this year that “The Rick & Bubba Show” will cease at the end of 2024. Now, Bussey will return to work at his alma mater.

“I’m thrilled to return to Jacksonville State University as the Assistant Athletic Director overseeing the Athletic Broadcasting,” Bussey said. “It’s fantastic to be given the opportunity to serve my hometown and my alma mater, where I have so many fond memories.

“We are eager to advance Jacksonville State University’s mission and increase awareness of our exceptional institution by expanding the reach of our ever-growing athletic program. Let’s #staycocky!”

Bussey is the second high-profile radio personality to join the Jax State broadcast department in recent months. Eli Gold, who spent more than 30 years as the radio voice of Alabama football and other sports, was hired in March to call select home football and baseball games on ESPN+.