Ike

Hilliard

Hilliard spent 12 seasons in the NFL as a receiver, amassing 546 receptions for 6,397 yards and 35 touchdowns for his career. Following his retirement in 2008, Hilliard began coaching in 2009 with the UFL’s Florida Tuskers and joined the NFL ranks in 2011. Hilliard has served as a wide receivers coach in every coaching role he’s held in the NFL and last worked with the Steelers in 2021.

Hilliard was Washington’s receivers coach for six seasons before joining the Steelers in February 2020. He’s had coaching stops in Miami and Buffalo, too. Hilliard is widely credited with the development of Terry McLaurin in Washington and Chase Claypool in Pittsburgh. If he’s hired, Hilliard might work with Kenny Golladay if the veteran re-signs with Detroit this offseason. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that he wants an offensive coordinator who will work to get D’Andre Swfit in favorable one-on-one matchups and use the back as a slot receiver. Fantasy managers should listen closely to what the next Detroit OC says about Swift and his place in the offense.

Hilliard had previously served as Washington’s receivers coach for the past six years, most recently assisting Terry McLaurin in the 24-year-old’s breakout rookie campaign (58/919/7). Hilliard also worked with the Dolphins as their assistant receivers coach in 2011, and filled a similar role with the Bills in 2013. 2020 will be his 10th year in the league coaching fellow wideouts.

Hilliard is a poor excuse for a second receiver, averaging less than 10 ypc. It looks like he’ll gain less than 800 yards for the fifth straight season.

We’d guess it was his last game in a Giants uniform.

After his playing career ended following the 2008 season, Hilliard, 37, has been making the rounds in the coaching business. New Redskins coach Jay Gruden was the offensive coordinator for the UFL’s Florida Tuskers in 2009 when Hilliard got his first coaching job as the Tuskers’ WRs coach. Hilliard then coached the Redskins receivers in 2012 and the Bills wideouts in 2013.

Hilliard will be used in the slot in three-receiver sets. Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway will see the brunt of playing time in normal formations.

“I have a lot of confidence in him. If he gets his opportunity, God knows what he’ll do with it. We’re excited to find out. He brings experience and talent to the table, he’s still got life in his legs and he’s a quality receiver,” coach Jon Gruden said.

“Yep, he’s been stepping up for us. Ike will play, Ike will start,” coach Jon Gruden said. Clayton is listed as questionable and may still see time off the bench.