Raheem Morris, the newly appointed head coach for the Falcons, has expanded his coaching staff by bringing in an experienced offensive specialist.
NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo reported that Ike Hilliard had been tapped to handle the team’s wide receiver coaching duties in Atlanta.
With a recent history of coaching in the same capacity with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the seasons spanning 2020 to 2021, Hilliard brings a wealth of experience to the Falcons’ sideline. Prior to his Pittsburgh stint, he contributed his expertise to Washington’s receiving corps from 2014 through 2019 and spent time with Buffalo and Miami in similar roles.
Interestingly, Hilliard’s professional path crossed with Morris’s earlier career when both served as assistants on the Washington staff during the 2012 and 2014 seasons. Their connection extends back to their time with Tampa Bay where Morris coached defensive backs between 2007 and 2008, coinciding with Hilliard’s final playing years.
Drafted seventh overall back in the 1997 draft, Hilliard enjoyed an impressive playing tenure, first with the New York Giants for eight years followed by a four-year period with the Buccaneers. Throughout his NFL career spanning 161 games, he amassed a total of 546 receptions, covering 6,397 yards and scoring 35 touchdowns.
Recently named wide receivers coach for the Falcons on Thursday, Ike Hilliard boasts a remarkable college football legacy under Coach Steve Spurrier at Florida during the ’90s. His professional career saw him selected in the top ten of the draft before venturing into a twelve-season run spanning from his debut year in 1997 until his retirement after the close of the 2008 season.