Following the appointment of Arthur Smith as the team’s new offensive coordinator last week, the steelers’ offensive staff is getting more changes.
The steelers are stepping down with wide receivers coach frisman jackson, who has been in charge of the pittsburgh post-gazette for the past two seasons after replacing ike hilliard, according to gerry dulac. Could pittsburgh reunite with former wr hines ward after the latest vacancy? Jackson oversaw a much-publicized wide receiver room, highlighted by george pickens and diontae johnson.
Although the two combined for 114 receptions for 1,857 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, they displayed a lack of effort on several occasions. with a change in leadership, pitttsburgh is clearly aiming to eliminate those distractions, which often resulted in very public sideline interactions. Ward, who played for the steelers from 1998-2011, is one to watch out for.
Before joining the jets in 2019-20, he was also an offensive intern with the team in 2017.
Ward has struggled to rise in the coaching ranks in recent years, serving as florida atlantic’s wide receivers coach in 2021 and the xfl’s san antonio brahmas head coach in 2023. However, it is impossible to argue against ward’s familiarity with pittsburgh and the contribution he could make to the steelers’ team.ward led the steelers all-time leader in catches (1,001), receiving yards (12,083) and touchdowns (85). But, perhaps more important, the two-time super bowl champion was one of nfl’s best blocking wide receivers.
Ward has been praised by head coach mike tomlin for his campaign for the pro football hall of fame.
It would be surprising if he wasn’t open to a reunion. “hines was a footballer first and a receiver second,” tomlin said, via bryan deardo of CBS sports. “i used to say that to describe him all the time because of his ridiculous consistency in the passing game, in the running game, running the football, or after the catch or blocking.” Pittsburgh is a city that loves to have links with former players.
Ward certainly fits the bill and could help eliminate the steelers’ “diva” traits.
