Former Georgia star Hines Ward lands assistant coaching position with Big 12 program

Former Georgia wide receiver Hines Ward is headed to the Big 12.

Ward has accepted a position with Arizona State as the Sun Devils' new wide receivers coach. With the move, Ward replaces Ra'Shaad Samples.

"I am truly honored to join Arizona State University football as wide receivers coach," the two-time Super Bowl champion, said in a statement Sunday. "It's an incredible opportunity to share my passion for the game with a group of talented young men and help them reach their full potential. The culture and energy here in the Valley is special and I can't wait to be part of it."

Between what he brings to the table and the talented receiving corps he inherits, Ward is expected to hit the ground running as he enters a new position.

That room of wideouts will include a returning Elijhah Badger, veteran transfer Jake Smith and Colorado transfer Jordyn Tyson as the notables.

Ward most recently held a position with the XFL as the head coach of the San Antonio Brahmas, previously serving as an offensive assistant for the New York Jets and the wide receivers coach at FAU.

Ward was an impactful factor in the Georgia offense during his time in Athens, racking up 144 receptions for 1,965 yards and 11 touchdowns between 1994 and 1997. He also carried the ball 204 times for 1,066 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground.

He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft with the 92nd overall pick.

Ward finished out his NFL career with 12,083 receiving yards, 1,000 receptions and 85 receiving touchdowns over 217 games between 1998 and 2011 -- all of which were played for the Steelers.