Redskins wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard is leaving the team after one season to join the Buffalo Bills’ new coaching staff in that capacity, three sources said Thursday morning.
It’s a significant loss. Hilliard’s players, particularly leading receiver Pierre Garcon, enjoyed working with him. The Redskins’ receivers, buoyed by an influx of talent last offseason, collectively had a breakout year.
Four receivers had more than 500 receiving yards (Garcon 633, Santana Moss 573, Leonard Hankerson 543 and Joshua Morgan 510). Receivers’ blocking was a major contributing factor to the Redskins’ top-ranked rushing offense. Players generally were committed to a physical style and blocked with effective technique.
In Buffalo, Hilliard will be reunited with new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Hackett was an offensive quality control coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2006-07, two of the four seasons Hilliard spent playing for the Bucs.
There’s no word, yet, on who will replace Hilliard. The successor will be the team’s third receivers coach in as many seasons.
