Utah Football Brings Back Chad Bumphis as Wide Receivers Coach
Jan 4, 2026, 10:25 AM | Updated: 10:42 am
Chad Bumphis coaching receivers at Utah spring ball practice. Photo courtesy by Utah Athletics.
SALT LAKE CITY — Morgan Scalley is nearing the finish line of his new staff and has officially added a familiar face to its football staff, naming Chad Bumphis as the program’s new wide receivers coach.
Bumphis returns to Salt Lake City after three seasons with Mississippi State following a prior stint on the Utes sideline — bringing valuable experience and familiarity with the program.
“It is awesome to have Chad back in the fold with us,” Scalley said in the press release. “He has an energy and a passion for coaching that our wide receivers are going to love. He is an exceptional recruiter and evaluator, and his ability to teach and develop I have witnessed first-hand.”
A Familiar Ute Returns
Bumphis isn’t new to Utah football. He first joined the Utes as a graduate assistant working with wide receivers in 2018, helping a unit that featured current pros and future NFL talent.
“My wife Nataly, son Ace and I are all fired up to be moving back to Salt Lake City and rejoin the Utah football family,” Bumphis said. “I couldn’t be more excited for the direction of the program under the leadership of Coach Scalley! Thank you to Coach Scalley and Coach McGiven for trusting me with a great group of wide receivers to continue developing. I can’t wait to get to work! Go Utes!”
That season culminated in a Pac-12 South title and a Holiday Bowl appearance — achievements that left enough of an impression that Utah’s staff wanted him back when the opportunity opened.
After a stint with Austin Peay as the receivers coach, Bumphis returned to Salt Lake City where he helped Utah receivers during each of the Pac-12 championship years, 2021 and 2022. Where he played a key role in the development of Devaughn Vele, Money Parks, and Britain Covey his final season.
From Bulldog Legend to Developer on the Sideline
Following the 2022 season with Utah, Bumphis returned to his alma mater as Mississippi State’s wide receivers coach in 2023, bringing his deep ties to Starkville and a track record of developing pass-catching talent. I
n his first season back, Bumphis helped a Bulldog receiving corps compile 2,182 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air, showing growth and playmaking potential despite Mississippi State operating in one of college football’s toughest environments in the SEC.
Bumphis saw the development of a number receivers including Brennan Thompson, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Tulu Griffin.
In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Bumphis continued to shape MSU’s wideouts amid transition. He worked within new offensive concepts under head coach Jeff Lebby’s system, which emphasized spacing and receiver versatility — areas Bumphis embraced as both a teacher and former record-setting Bulldog pass-catcher.
Overall, across his three Mississippi State seasons, Bumphis’ tenure was marked by statistical production, individual breakout performances, and the challenge of molding a dynamic receiver room in the competitive SEC landscape, all while reconnecting with the program where he starred as a player.
Coaching That Connects With Players
What makes Bumphis’ hire particularly intriguing is the way his background bridges recruiting, player development, and cultural fit:
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His development of receivers at Mississippi State showcased his capacity to elevate skill-group production within a Power Five offense.
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His familiarity with Utah’s culture and expectations gives him a head start connecting with the current roster — something coaching continuity often lacks.
- His early coaching stops — from Iowa Wesleyan and Buffalo to Austin Peay — helped him sharpen his ability to teach route concepts and technique at all levels.
That combination was hard for Utah to pass up when the receivers coach opening emerged, especially given Bumphis had already been briefly tabbed to Central Michigan before the Utes brought him back.
The Bottom Line
With several key pass–catchers returning and a new offensive identity taking shape under coordinator Kevin McGiven, Utah views the wide receivers room as a focal point rather than a supporting cast.
Bumphis’ job will be to refine the technique and timing of Utah’s receivers, help younger players step into larger roles, and build a group capable of consistent production — whether the offense leans on power concepts, perimeter stretching, or explosive intermediate throws.
If his past stops are any indication, Utah is betting he can do both — develop talent and help the Utes win with it.
