There is a new name in the WR coaching interview list
Amid the excitement of NFL Conference Championship Weekend, the Chicago Bears are still in the hunt for a new Wide Receivers Coach, and their search is ongoing. Former NFL wide receiver Ike Hilliard is scheduled to interview for the position on Monday.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport provides the following details:
In case you missed it, the Bears were also planning to interview Los Angeles Chargers' Wide Receivers Coach, Chris Beatty, for the same role. Beatty boasts an interesting work history, including experience coaching D.J. Moore. As my mother used to say, having references can be valuable. Now, let's delve into the latest developments concerning Ike Hilliard.
Hilliard's background is quite fascinating. He had a remarkable collegiate career as a wide receiver that eventually led to him being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Subsequently, he became a respected and seasoned professional, playing for the New York Giants from 1997 to 2004 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005 to 2008. Hilliard transitioned into coaching in 2009, making stops at both the college and professional levels. It's safe to say he possesses a diverse and intriguing résumé, to say the least. Let's explore further below.
Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
Adding Ike Hilliard to the Chicago Bears' list of interview candidates is an exciting prospect. Hilliard's background holds plenty of intrigue for me personally. He excelled while playing for the University of Florida in some of the most entertaining offenses I've ever witnessed. In 1996, Hilliard was named a first-team All-SEC player and achieved Consensus All-American status. Although he couldn't replicate those heights after being chosen by the New York Giants as the seventh overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, Hilliard had a notable NFL career. Over 106 games, he amassed 546 receptions, accumulated 6,397 yards, and scored 35 touchdowns during his time with the Giants and Buccaneers.
Many players consider a 12-year playing career to be sufficient, but shortly after retiring as a player, Hilliard picked up a coaching role. Here are some of the coaching positions Hilliard has held along the way:
- Miami Dolphins, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach (2011)- Washington Football Team, Wide Receivers Coach (2011, 2014-19)- Buffalo Bills, Wide Receivers Coach (2013)- Pittsburgh Steelers, Wide Receivers Coach (2020-21)- Auburn Tigers, Wide Receivers Coach/Interim Co-Offensive Coordinator (2022)
For me, witnessing players I grew up watching now being considered for coaching roles serves as a reminder of the passage of time and human mortality. However, it's also an opportunity to appreciate how these former first-round NFL picks and players with impressive careers can give back to the game they loved and excelled in during their prime. From this perspective, it's genuinely heartening to see.
With any luck, we may soon witness Hilliard sharing his knowledge and wisdom with the Chicago Bears organization.
| POLL | ||
29 JANVIER | 31 ANSWERS There is a new name in the WR coaching interview list Should the Bears hire Hilliard as a WR coach? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 61.3 % |
| No | 12 | 38.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
