Arizona State has hired former NFL All-Pro Hines Ward as its wide receivers coach, the school said on Sunday. Ward coached the San Antonio Brahmas in the defunct XFL in 2023, and his club finished 3-7.
Ward’s previous collegiate coaching experience came in 2021, when he worked with the wide receivers under former Florida Atlantic University coach Willie Taggart. He also served as an offensive assistant for the Jets from 2019 to 2020, after beginning his coaching career as an offensive intern with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017. Ward also served as head of football development for the Alliance of American Football in 2019.
“I am truly honored to join Arizona State University football as the wide receivers coach,” Ward said in a statement. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to share my love of the game with a group of talented young men and help them reach their full potential.” The culture and spirit in the Valley is unique, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Ward rose to prominence as a collegiate player for Georgia and subsequently in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He signed with Georgia in 1994 and quickly established himself as a versatile threat in the Bulldogs’ offense. He played wide receiver, running back, and quarterback in 1995 before focusing on wide receiver for the past two seasons.
His 149 career receptions and 1,965 yards were second in Georgia history at the time. His 3,870 all-purpose yards still rank second to legendary running back Herschel Walker.
The Steelers took Ward with the 92nd overall choice in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He went on to receive four Pro Bowl selections, three second-team All-Pro accolades, and was named MVP of Pittsburgh’s 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 40. Ward retired with 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns and is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame.
Ward will work under Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham, who is in his second year with the program. Ward’s hiring also coincides with Arizona State’s debut season in the Big 12, as the school exits the Pac-12 after 45 years in various configurations.
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