Auburn announces hiring of former NFL star as WR coach

Auburn is bringing a former NFL star to The Plains. On Wednesday, the Tigers announced the hiring of former NFL wide receiver Ike Hilliard as their wide receivers coach.

“Auburn football has named former SEC great and 12-year National Football League veteran Ike Hilliard as wide receivers coach, head coach Bryan Harsin announced Wednesday,” wrote the program in a release. “An All-American at Florida in 1996, Hilliard spent the previous 11 seasons coaching in the NFL, most recently as wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

As the release mentions, Hilliard was with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their wide receivers coach for the last two seasons. Prior, he spent six seasons with the Washington Commanders in the same role. He also has coached the wide receivers for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.

Now, Hilliard is making his first foray into the collegiate ranks. It’s a huge get for Bryan Harsin, who spoke glowingly of Hilliard.

“Ike is exactly what we are looking for to lead our wide receivers room. His credentials really speak for themself – All-American in the SEC, NFL First Round pick, 12 years as a very productive player in the league and a decade plus coaching in the NFL,” Harsin said, via the team’s website. “Amongst all of those accomplishments one other thing really stood out showing who Ike is as a person and leader. He made a commitment to his family that he would graduate from college, and he never lost sight of that, finishing up his degree while also being a full-time NFL coach.

“Ike, without a doubt, possesses the same values that we want our Auburn program to be known for – character, discipline, toughness and conviction. We are excited to welcome Ike, his wife Lourdes and their children to the Auburn family.”

Hilliard on Auburn: ‘One of true giants within the college football landscape.’

Continuing, Ike Hilliard stated he couldn’t wait to get started at a program like Auburn.

“Auburn is one of true giants within the college football landscape. The responsibility – and opportunity – to be a part of Coach Harsin’s staff here at Auburn is something I’m extremely grateful for,” Hilliard said, via the team’s website. “The process in place to grow and build this program is impressive, I felt it in every conversation I had with Coach Harsin and others on staff.

“The decision was easy to join the Auburn family. It’s go-time now as I can’t wait to teach, mentor and lead the young men in our wide receiver room.”

Ike Hilliard has experienced success in the SEC before, enjoying a fantastic collegiate career as a wide receiver for the Florida Gators. Then, the star wide receiver took his talents to the NFL, where he enjoyed a lengthy playing career. Now, he’s hoping to continue the success of his coaching career, back in the conference where his playing star-turn began.