ASU adds ex-Steelers great Ward as WR coach

Hines Ward has been hired as Arizona State’s next wide receivers coach, the school announced Sunday.

“I am truly honored to join Arizona State University football as wide receivers coach,” Ward, the Super Bowl XL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, said in a statement Sunday. “It’s an incredible opportunity to share my passion for the game with a group of talented young men and help them reach their full potential. The culture and energy here in the Valley is special and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Ward also brings coaching experience. He is a former wide receivers coach at Florida Atlantic and has been an offensive assistant for the New York Jets as well as a head coach in the XFL.

He joins second-year coach Kenny Dillingham’s staff after the departure of receivers coach Ra’Shaad Samples to Oregon.

Ward inherits a wide receiver room that is considered one of the most talented units in the program. It includes veteran transfer Jake Smith, leading returning receiver Elijhah Badger and Colorado transfer Jordyn Tyson.

Ward played in 217 NFL games, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers, from 1998 to 2011. He has 12,083 receiving yards, 1,000 receptions and 85 receiving touchdowns.

Arizona State went 3-9 in Dillingham’s first year, dealing with the roster atrophy and a lingering NCAA case from Herm Edwards’ tenure.

Arizona State opens the season against Wyoming on Aug. 31.

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