The Valparaiso University football program and head coach Landon Fox have announced the hiring of Chris Bolden as the program’s wide receivers coach.

Bolden comes to Valpo after serving as the tight ends coach and assistant special teams coordinator at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. from July 2020 to December 2021. He also coached wide receivers and running backs during the fall of 2020.

“We’ve crossed paths a few times, and in all of the interactions I’ve had with him, it’s clear that he’s a smart guy,” Fox said. “He understands the big picture as a wide receivers coach, and that’s something that really helped him stand out. It’s exciting to have him on board.”

Prior to Central Oklahoma, Bolden was the running backs coach at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in Kingsville, Texas from August 2019 to January 2019. He previously instructed running backs at Butler Community College in Ed Dorado, Kansas from March 2019 to August 2019 and completed an internship with the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football in January 2019.

Bolden also gained experience as an assistant running backs coach from February 2017 to January 2019 at his alma mater, Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He graduated from Texas State in May 2017 with a degree in exercise & sports science after playing running back and wide receiver for the Bobcats. He is set to complete his master’s degree in exercise science from Central Oklahoma in May 2022.

“I chose Valpo because I have a great feeling about the opportunity,” Bolden said. “Being able to coach with genuinely good people while mentoring talented and bright young men is all I can ask for. I’m excited to work with the players that we have in our wide receiver group, and I can’t wait to put a good product on the field in the fall.”

Bolden joins offensive coordinator Will Fleming and offensive line coach Pat Denecke as new members of the Valpo coaching staff.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT COACH BOLDEN

Victor Irokansi, Old Dominion Defensive Line Coach: “Chris is great at building relationships. His players will know they have someone who genuinely cares about them on and off the field. He loves the game of football and is constantly learning and working on his craft. Last but not least, he is extremely selfless and willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the team.”

Marco Regalado, Washington State Director of Recruiting: “Chris Bolden is a rising star in the profession. Hard-working and detail-oriented, he will definitely be a great addition to the Valpo football program. Not only is Chris a great coach, but he’s also a great man. I’m excited to see what he and the rest of the Valpo program can accomplish.”   

Nick Bobeck, Former Central Oklahoma Head Coach: “Coach Bolden is an outstanding hire. He is very bright and has infectious energy. His ability to relate to student-athletes and communicate in a relevant manner make him an excellent teacher.”