Former NFL All-Pro Hines Ward has been hired as the wide receivers coach for Arizona State, as reported by ESPN. Ward previously coached the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL, leading them to a 3-7 record in the 2023 season. His collegiate coaching experience includes working with the wide receivers under former FAU coach Willie Taggart and serving as an offensive assistant with the New York Jets from 2019-2020. Ward began his coaching career as an offensive intern with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017 and later served as the head of football development for the Alliance of American Football in 2019.
Ward gained fame as a player at the collegiate level with the University of Georgia and later in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was known for his versatility on the field, playing multiple positions and racking up impressive stats. Ward was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft and went on to have a successful career in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors, All-Pro nods, and winning Super Bowl 40 MVP. He finished his career with over 12,000 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns and is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame.
In his new role at Arizona State, Ward will be working under coach Kenny Dillingham, who is entering his second year with the program. Ward’s hiring comes as Arizona State prepares for its first season in the Big 12 Conference after 45 years in the Pac-12. The addition of Ward brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Sun Devils’ coaching staff as they embark on this new chapter in their program’s history.