(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Some unexpected news happened on Tuesday afternoon, as the Steelers announced that they've hired Frisman Jackson as the team's new wide receivers coach. There was no mention of Ike Hilliard in the announcement, so it looks like Hilliard is out. Hilliard was the receivers coach from 2020-2021.
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic pointed out that Hilliard's contract wasn't renewed, so the Steelers were without a receivers coach and that's why there was no mention. It's still kind of odd that the Steelers didn't reveal that Hilliard's contract wasn't renewed.
Brooke Pryor of ESPN said Hilliard was well-liked among the wide receivers and his departure was a surprise and upsetting to some in the locker room.
Jackson, 42, spent the last two seasons with the Panthers, where he served as receivers coach in 2020 and then offensive passing game coordinator/receivers coach in 2021.
Jackson has 14 years of coaching experience, including in the collegiate and NFL ranks. He also spent the 2017 season coaching the receivers for the Titans.
Jackson played four seasons for the Browns (2002-05), playing in 34 games with 40 receptions for 490 yards and a touchdown. Jackson also spent time with Matt Canada at Northern Illinois and North Carolina State.