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Former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward worked with the Jets as a coaching intern during training camp. The team announced on Monday that he is joining the coaching staff full-time.
We've hired Hines Ward as an offensive assistant.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 2, 2019
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Ward was a member of the Steelers from 1998 through 2011. During his storied career he recorded exactly 1,000 receptions for 12,083 yards, and 85 touchdowns. He played in college at Georgia where he spent time playing quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
History shows us there is no correlation between playing ability and coaching ability.
With that said, multiple people within the organization including Robby Anderson praised Ward’s work during training camp. In any field an important part of an internship is assessing candidates for full-time employment. Ward’s work was evidently strong enough to earn a full-time job with the team.
“Hines has stayed on with us throughout the entire training camp,” Gase said. “He’s actually been added to be part of the coaching staff. He’s going to be an offensive assistant, he’s going to be working with the wideouts with Shawn so I think that’s a great addition for us. He’s done a lot of really good things with that group, helping out with those guys. I think it was the right time for him. He’s excited about the opportunity.”