After playing in the National Football League for several years former UNI receiver Dedric Ward is heading back to the league as an assistant coach. Shedd has joined the staff of the Arizona Cardinals after spending this past season on the staff of former UNI coach Terry Allen at Missouri State. Ward says that allowed him to work as a coach and develop his own philosophy.

Ward says he’ll be working with the receivers on the Arizona staff, along with some other day-to-day duties. Ward says he was thrilled with the chance to join an NFL staff. He said it was the perfect timing for him and a great step in his coaching career.

Ward says long-suffering Arizona Cardinal fans will like the direction new coach Ken Wisenhunt takes the team. Ward says it’s been a disappointment the past couple of years, but he thinks the new regime will move things in the right direction. Ward was in his hometown of Cedar Rapids this past week to take part in a charity golf event.