Report: Steelers Did Not Renew Contract of WR Coach Ike Hilliard

The Pittsburgh Steelers did not renew the contract of wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, according to a report by Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

The team announced the hiring of Frisman Jackson as a new wide receivers coach on Tuesday, without addressing Hilliard’s status.

Hilliard had been with the team for two seasons, coming over from Washington before the 2020 season. He had been credited with the development of young wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool in his time in Pittsburgh.

Hilliard had been hired while Randy Fichtner was the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. With Matt Canada being promoted before the 2021 season, Jackson will enter as a coach with more experience in Canada’s systems and schemes, having coached with him at NC State.

Hilliard’s departure is the fourth for a Steelers coach since the start of the 2021 season. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler retired, offensive line coach Adrian Klemm left mid-season to take the same position at Oregon and assistant offensive line coach Chris Morgan took a promotion to become the Chicago Bears offensive line coach.

Senior defensive assistant Teryl Austin is expected to replace Butler. The Steelers have not yet filled the roles previously held by Klemm, Morgan and Austin.