Former Florida Gators star Ike Hilliard returning to SEC as a coach at this school.
Former Florida Gators wide receiver Ike Hilliard, who had an NFL playing career, is returning to the SEC as a coach.
But it isn’t with his alma mater. Hilliard was announced Wednesday as Auburn’s new wide receivers coach.
“Ike is exactly what we are looking for to lead our wide receivers room. His credentials really speak for [themselves] — 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,” head coach Bryan Harsin said in a statement. “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 has NFL coaching experience, spending the past two years with the Steelers and previously had coaching stints in Washington, Buffalo and Miami.
This season, he helped guide Diontae Johnson gain All-Pro honors with Pittsburgh.
“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, a Louisiana native, said in a statement. “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.”
Hilliard played for the Gators from 1994 to 1996, where he was a part of the program’s first national title with a 52-20 victory over Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. Hilliard tallied seven catches for 150 yards and three touchdowns in that game. His standout career at UF led to becoming a first-round draft pick in 1997 with the New York Giants. He played eight seasons with the Giants and four seasons with the Buccaneers.
