Auburn named Ike Hilliard as its wide receivers coach on Wednesday.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Hilliard played his college football at Southeastern Conference rival Florida, where he was an All-American in 1996.
The New York Giants selected him with the No. 7 overall selection in the 1997 NFL Draft, and he spent eight seasons with the team before moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005-08). In 161 career games (106 starts), he caught 546 passes for 6,397 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Welcome to The Plains!
?? Ike Hilliard#WarEagle | #AuburnMade
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) February 23, 2022
Post-retirement, Hilliard has spent 11 seasons coaching in the NFL, most recently the wide receivers for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Auburn is one of true giants within the college football landscape. The responsibility — and opportunity — to be a part of Coach (Bryan) Harsin’s staff here at Auburn is something I’m extremely grateful for,” Hilliard, 45, said.
“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.”
Auburn will open the 2022 season on Sept. 3 with a home game against Mercer.
–Field Level Media