Chalmers "Bump" Elliott (Bentley Historical Library)

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Former University of Michigan All-America halfback and head football coach Chalmers "Bump" Elliott passed away of natural causes late Saturday night (Dec. 7) at the age of 94. Elliott went to the University of Iowa as athletic director in 1970 and served in that capacity until 1991.



Elliott vs. Pittsburgh (Oct. 11, 1947) Elliott vs. Pittsburgh (Oct. 11, 1947)

Named Michigan's 13th head coach in 1959, Elliott holds the rare distinction of both coaching and playing for Big Ten Conference and Rose Bowl championship teams during his football career as a Wolverine. He led the program to a 51-42-2 overall record during his coaching tenure (1959-68).

Elliott directed Michigan's 1964 team to a 9-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory over Oregon State, 34-7. During his 10 seasons as head coach, Michigan produced five All-America performers: Bob Timberlake (1964), Bill Yearby (1964-65), Jack Clancy (1966), Rick Volk (1966) and Ron Johnson (1968).

During Elliott's All-America career as a player at Michigan, coach Fritz Crisler called him the greatest right halfback he had ever seen. Elliott was selected as the Big Ten Most Valuable Player during the Wolverines' run to the 1947 national championship.

He began his coaching career at Oregon State in 1948, remaining there until he was named the offensive backfield coach at Iowa in 1952. While at Iowa, he helped the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten and Rose Bowl titles in 1956. Elliott returned to Ann Arbor in 1957 to coach the Maize and Blue backfield under coach Bennie Oosterbaan.

Elliott was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989, and he was inducted into the Michigan Athletics Hall of Honor in 1986.



Bump Elliott was fourth in the sequence of seven men who led the Michigan football program from 1929 to 2007. Top (from left): Harry Kipke (1929-37), Fritz Crisler (1938-47), Bennie Oosterbaan (1948-58), Elliott (1959-68), Bo Schembechler (1969-89). Bottom: Elliott, Schembechler, Gary Moeller (1990-94), Lloyd Carr (1995-2007).

Following are comments from former Michigan football staff, players or contemporaries of Bump Elliott:

Warde Manuel

Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics

"The University of Michigan is saddened by the passing of Bump Elliott. I had the pleasure of meeting Bump in 2016. What he accomplished at and for the University of Michigan as a student-athlete and a coach is legendary, and the outstanding legacy that he left at three different Big Ten universities is something we may never see again. The Big Ten lost a special man. Prayers go out to his family."

Dan Dierdorf

Michigan Offensive Tackle (1967-70)

"Bump Elliott was the reason I went to Michigan. He believed in me when Ohio State, Michigan State and Notre Dame, among others, didn't think I was good enough. Every member of our 1969 Big Ten championship team was recruited by Bump, and Bo (Schembechler) always thanked Coach Elliott for what he did. As a player, a coach and a huge influence in all of his players' lives, Bump Elliott was a Michigan Man in every respect.""

Lloyd Carr

Michigan Head Coach (1995-2007)

"Bump Elliott was one of the great gentlemen in the history of the game. He was one of the legendary players that represented the University of Michigan as a player and coach. He was a beloved figure who was admired and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed!"

Jack Harbaugh

Michigan Assistant Coach (1973-79)

"The Harbaugh family sends condolences to family and friends on the passing of Bump Elliott, a Rose Bowl winning coach, All-America football player, husband and father. I met Bump at a hospital in Iowa City in 1971. Bump was the AD at the University of Iowa, and our family was moving our furniture into our new home in Iowa City. I had spent the day recruiting, and Jackie was overseeing the move. Sons Jim and John were at a local park meeting new friends, and on the way home Jim was hit by a car and transported to the hospital. I rushed home with no information other than one of my sons was injured. On my arrival, I met Bump in the lobby with the comforting words that he would be OK.

"In 1972 Bump's son, Bobby, started as a sophomore in the Iowa secondary that I coached. Bobby was as tough and competitive as anyone I coached. Bump's daughter, Betsy, babysat John, Jim and Joani.

"Iowa is one of the outstanding football programs in the country. That program was started by Bump Elliott with the hiring of Hayden Fry.

"Bump was one of a kind. We have lost a true gentleman."

Billy Taylor

Michigan Running Back (1968-71)

"I was deeply saddened today when I received word that my good friend and a great Michigan Man and Michigan coach as well as one of Michigan's great all-time student-athletes, Chalmers 'Bump' Elliott, is not with us any longer! I'm proud to say that Bump Elliott recruited me to the University of Michigan, and an immediate closeness and love developed between Coach Elliott, my mom and me. My prayers are with Coach Elliott his family and friends. I shall deeply miss my good friend and former coach, Bump Elliott! I am heartbroken this evening!

Also from MGoBlue.com

• Remembering Bump Elliott: A Nephew's Perspective

• Bump Elliott (1925-2019): U-M Football All-American, Coach (Video)

• Michigan a Special Place for Elliott Family (9/27/2014)