Former Iowa athletic director Bump Elliott dies at 94

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Former University of Iowa athletic director Bump Elliott has died, the university announced. He was 94.

Elliott died Saturday, according to a statement from his family that the university released on Sunday. The statement did not include a cause of death.

Elliott was a star halfback for Michigan, winning the Big Ten’s MVP award in 1947. Elliott became Michigan’s coach in 1959 and led the Wolverines for 10 seasons, a tenure that included a Rose Bowl win in 1964.

Elliott was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

“Bump Elliott was one of the great gentlemen in the history of the game. He was one of the legendary players that represented the U of M as a player and coach. He was a beloved figure who was admired and respected by all who knew him,” former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said in a statement.

Elliott served as Iowa’s athletic director from 1970-91, hiring standout football coach Hayden Fry, wrestling coach Dan Gable and basketball coach Tom Davis among others.

“For over 75 years, Bump epitomized the best values of the Big Ten athletic conference and its member institutions,” the Elliott family said in a statement released through the Hawkeyes. “His fundamental beliefs in academic excellence, gender equality, diversity, honesty and athletic achievement guided his life and career as a student-athlete, coach and administrator.”