Hines Ward addresses the media at the Kajikawa Practice Fields, where he shared his impact and goals for ASU’s receiving corps. (Photo by Brendon Pricco/Cronkite News)
Arizona State wide receivers coach Hines Ward, a former NFL player, leads a drill at the Kajikawa Practice Fields on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Brendon Pricco/Cronkite News)
TEMPE – When Former Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward was formally announced as Arizona State’s new receivers coach in April, many wondered why he chose to come to the Valley. After all, he was fresh off an inaugural season coaching the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas that was less than ideal, compiling a 3-7 record and missing the playoffs.
Following the conclusion of the season, the XFL agreed to a league merger with the UFL. The newly formed league requested Ward to take a pay cut if he wished to remain the Brahmas coach. He ultimately declined and resigned from his position on Dec. 28, 2023.
“I did one year at the XFL,” Ward said. “After leaving I didn’t have any inspiration on getting back into coaching.”
Shortly after leaving San Antonio, Ward – who played 14 seasons in the NFL, all with Pittsburgh – was prepared to close out his football coaching career. He desired to spend more quality time with his family and make greater strides in his golf game.
However, a late-night phone call from an Arizona area code began forging his path to the desert.
“When I answered the phone, it was coach Kenny (Dillingham) asking me if I’m interested in joining his staff,” Ward said. “I believe this was the good Lord telling me he didn’t want me to retire yet. He wanted me to come back and be a blessing to these kids.
“After the call, I asked my wife what she thought about Phoenix and Tempe. We’ve been out here before and felt that it’s a great place to live. And I just love Kenny’s (Dillingham) vision for the university and where he wants to go.”
Since arriving in Tempe, Ward’s passion for the game has been infectious to many on a team that sits at 7-2 heading into a prime showdown Saturday on the road against Kansas State (7-2). His time in the NFL has gifted him with invaluable experience, knowledge and lessons that are already rubbing off on the Sun Devils’ young receivers.
Arizona State wide receivers coach Hines Ward offers words of encouragement during a focused practice session on Sept. 18, 2024. (Photo by Brendon Pricco/Cronkite News)
In 2023, none of the Devils wide receivers averaged more than 11.5 yards per game. This season, they already have three receivers averaging 12 or more yards through nine games.
“Hines is a natural born leader,” former Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said. “Many times, the players who are natural leaders, can make the transition into coaching because they’re respected within the locker room.
“He has a patient teaching mentality. You can sense that you’re not going to get too much by him because he played for many years and knows what it’s like.”
Ward has won two Super Bowl championships with the Steelers, along with being named the MVP of Super Bowl XL, so his past hovers over the practice field and in meetings.
Even as the young receivers have experienced expected growing pains, Ward’s encouragement and support have never wavered. His impact has been felt in every game this season, with one of the most notable being Arizona State’s 35-31 victory over Kansas on Oct. 5.
That’s when wide receiver Jordyn Tyson had arguably his best and worst game of the season. In the second quarter, he had a costly fumble inside Kansas territory and later witnessed a bobbled pass land with the Jayhawks for an interception.
Everything changed in the fourth quarter as Tyson walked the path of redemption by delivering the Sun Devils’ last two scoring drives to put the game away. He finished the night with six catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns.
After the game, Tyson credited Ward for believing and mentoring him throughout their short time together.
“He’s taught me so much in the short time he’s been here,” Tyson said. “Before that (last) touchdown, he kept preaching to me, ‘Dig, dig, dig, dig,’ and I dug. What happened? Touchdown.
“Little things like that mean everything to me. He played football at a high level for a long time. He knows all the ins and outs of the game. He isn’t going to tell me anything that’s wrong, he always tells me how to do everything the right way.”
