HinesWard – the name associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ black-and-gold colors for 14 NFL seasons (1998‑2011) – has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the position of wide receivers coach of his former team.
With 1,000 catches, more than 12,000 yards and 85 touchdowns in his playing career, Ward has become one of the greatest receivers in Steelers history.
Since retiring from the field, Ward has pursued a coaching career in various roles: coaching intern with the Steelers in the summer of 2017, offensive assistant with the New York Jets (2019‑20), receivers coach with the Florida Atlantic Owls, and then head coach with the San Antonio Brahmas (XFL) in the 2023 season.
As the Steelers coaching staff searched for a replacement for the wide receivers coach position in the 2024 season – following the departure of Frisman Jackson – Ward’s name was mentioned heavily.
From an image and legacy perspective: bringing Ward back could provide a huge boost to team morale, inspire younger players, and attract fan attention.
Barriers to Overcome
Ward’s return, however, is not straightforward:
Ward has reportedly been “blocked” in the past when he wanted to work at the Steelers – and there is an element of “discontent” on his part when a previous proposal failed to materialize.
On professional coaching experience: despite having held several roles, he has never held a full-time NFL wide receivers coach position – something the Steelers are sensitive about when it comes to selecting the “right person to coach the right person”.
On Ward’s part: he has so far accepted a college coaching position with the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2024, rather than returning to the NFL immediately.
If the Steelers decide to bring HinesWard back, here’s what could happen:
He would be signed as a receivers coach, or at least an assistant receivers coach with a long-term goal.
The Steelers will make it clear that Ward must “fit the Steelers culture,” adapt to the NFL environment, and demonstrate his coaching ability — not just rely on his former player reputation.
Ward can use his image to help young players like George Pickens and Calvin Austin III develop the receiving skills, hard work, and competitive spirit that characterize the Steelers.
In short: HinesWard’s return to the Steelers is a strong symbolic choice — but also a decision that needs to be carefully considered in terms of coaching substance. As of now, although his name is mentioned, there is no official confirmation that he will take on the role with the Steelers next season.
If you want, I can find the latest foreign (English) report on the negotiation status between Ward and the Steelers — to see where the “game” really is. Do you want me to?
