Hines Ward agrees to become WR coach for ASU football

TEMPE, Ariz. — Hines Ward, an NFL legend, is agreeing to become the new wide receivers coach for Arizona State football. Ward was at practice earlier this week, and it seems like both sides like the fit.

Sources: Hines Ward has agreed to become Arizona State’s next wide receivers coach. He’s a former wide receivers coach at FAU and has been an offensive assistant for the Jets and a head coach in the XFL. pic.twitter.com/SAc1x4PER6

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 13, 2024

Hines Ward agrees to take over as WR coach for ASU football

Ward is a legendary receiver who spent a 14-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that time he made four Pro Bowls, won two Super Bowls, as well as a Super Bowl MVP. He finished his NFL career with over 1,000 total receptions (including regular season and playoffs), racking up over 13,000 yards and 96 total touchdowns.

Ward retired following the 2011 season and has had various coaching positions since. Following his NFL career, he returned to the Steelers as an offensive intern in 2017, then as an offensive assistant with the New York Jets from 2019-2020. Ward then turned to the college game and spent the 2021 season coaching WRs at Florida Atlantic. Most recently he was the head coach of San Antonio Brahmas (UFL) in 2023.

While Ward only has one season of college coaching experience, a former player of his pedigree should pay dividends on the recruiting trail, and in maximizing the current talent in ASU’s WR room including guys like Elijhah Badger, Jordyn Tyson, Troy Omiere, Jake Smith, and more.

Kenny Dillingham’s thoughts

Following practice on Tuesday, Arizona State football head coach Kenny Dillingham spoke about what he was looking for in the new WR coach.

“A guy with experience,” Dillingham said. “A guy who can develop, a guy who can demand presence and demand that leadership. He walks into the room and people say, ‘Man, where’s my paper, where’s my pen? I want to learn. I want to soak in every piece of knowledge this person has because he’s done what I want to do, he’s been where I want to go.”

Looks like Ward met the criteria, this will be an instant impact hire for the Sun Devils. The deal is expected to be finalized within the next few days.

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