Former Steelers great Hines Ward, who was one of the Jets' four Bill Walsh coaching interns, has joined the team as a full-time offensive assistant.
Jets GM Joe Douglas, who had inquired about Ward when he was the Eagles vice president of pro personnel, reached out to the former rugged receiver shortly after he was hired to his new position in June.
"Hines has stayed on with us throughout the entire training camp," Gase said. "He's actually been added to be part of the coaching staff. He's going to be an offensive assistant, he's going to be working with the wideouts with Shawn so I think that's a great addition for us. He's done a lot of really good things with that group, helping out with those guys. I think it was the right time for him. He's excited about the opportunity."
Ward has worked with WR coach Shawn Jefferson in camp and earned rave reviews from one of his most talented wideouts.
"He's a great resource because he's done it at a high level consistently," said Robby Anderson. "He's a future Hall of Famer so what more can I ask for? I'm picking his brain, and he's more so telling me than I'm asking him, and I'm just staying on top of him. He's just trying to find ways to get me better in each way."
A third-round pick out of Georgia, Ward played 15 seasons for the Steelers and captured a pair of Super Bowl titles. Ward is Pittsburgh's all-time leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083) and touchdown catches (85).
