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Pete Thamel, ESPN
Hines Ward has agreed to become Arizona State’s next wide receivers coach, sources told ESPN.
The deal is expected to be finalized in the near future, sources said, bringing the Super Bowl XL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion to the Arizona State coaching staff.
Ward also brings coaching experience. He is a former wide receivers coach at Florida Atlantic and has been an offensive assistant for the New York Jets as well as a head coach in the XFL.
He will join second-year coach Kenny Dillingham’s staff after the departure of receivers coach Ra’Shaad Samples to Oregon.
Ward will inherit a wide receiver room that is considered one of the most talented units in the program. It includes veteran transfer Jake Smith, leading returning receiver Elijhah Badger and Colorado transfer Jordyn Tyson.
Ward played in 217 NFL games, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers, from 1998 to 2011. He has 12,083 receiving yards, 1,000 receptions and 85 receiving touchdowns.
Arizona State went 3-9 in Dillingham’s first year, dealing with the roster atrophy and a lingering NCAA case from Herm Edwards’ tenure.
Arizona State opens the season against Wyoming on Aug. 31.
