SALT LAKE CITY — Morgan Scalley is putting the finishing touches on his coaching staff, officially welcoming back Chad Bumphis as the new wide receivers coach for the University of Utah football program. Bumphis returns to Salt Lake City after a three-season stint with Mississippi State, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a familiar connection to the Utes.
“It is awesome to have Chad back in the fold with us,” said Scalley in a 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 is something I have witnessed first-hand.”
Bumphis is no stranger to Utah football. He first joined the Utes in 2018 as a graduate assistant focusing on wide receivers, contributing to a group that included future NFL talent and helped secure the Pac-12 South title and a Holiday Bowl appearance that same season. His positive impact on the team’s success left an impression on Utah’s coaching staff, prompting them to welcome him back when the opportunity arose.
Expressing his excitement about returning, Bumphis stated, “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. 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!”
His journey in coaching has seen him develop high-caliber talent, particularly at Mississippi State, where he served as the wide receivers coach in 2023. During his time there, he contributed to a Bulldogs receiving corps that amassed 2,182 yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing significant growth despite the competitive SEC environment. His work with standout receivers like Brennan Thompson and Tulu Griffin further established his credentials as a developer of talent.
Bumphis also played a crucial role in maintaining MSU’s wide receiver production during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, adapting to a new offensive structure under head coach Jeff Lebby that emphasized receiver versatility. Overall, Bumphis’ tenure at Mississippi State highlighted his ability to produce results in a challenging landscape, underscoring his deep connection with the program where he earned his own accolades as a record-setting player.
What makes Bumphis’ reappointment particularly encouraging is his ability to bridge recruiting and player development while aligning with Utah’s culture. His past coaching experiences—including stops at Iowa Wesleyan, Buffalo, and Austin Peay—have refined his skills in teaching route concepts and technique, making him an asset for the Utes as they aim to elevate their wide receivers’ performance.
With several key pass-catchers returning and a new offensive strategy being implemented by coordinator Kevin McGiven, the wide receivers are anticipated to be a focal point rather than a secondary aspect of the offense. Bumphis is tasked with fine-tuning the receivers’ technique and timing, aiding younger players in stepping into bigger roles, and building a capable group for consistent production.
As the Utes prepare for the upcoming season, Bumphis’ proven track record and familiarity with the program give fans and players alike reasons to be optimistic about the future of Utah’s passing offense.