Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Justin Hilliker enters his third season as the Defensive Line Coach / Special Teams Coordinator at Lenoir-Rhyne. Hilliker came to LR after spending the previous six seasons at Keiser in various roles. 

During his first two years at Lenoir-Rhyne Hilliker has helped the Bears to a 16-8 record and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA DII Playoffs in 2024. In 2025, kick returner Tye Roberson was named an AFCA First Team All-American after setting a program record with a nation leading 41.92 yards per kick return and three return touchdowns. 

Hilliker began as the tight ends coach for his first three years at Keiser before shifting to the defensive line and special teams coach for his final three seasons. Hilliker helped the Seahawks to a national championship appearance in 2022 and a national championship victory in 2023. In total, Keiser went to five NAIA appearances and Hilliker was part of back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in 2019 and 2020. Keiser won four consecutive conference championships from 2019-22. 

In 2022, Keiser led the nation in kick off return yards (1,217) and averaged a nation's-best 31.2 yards per kick return under Hilliker. Keiser kicked 21 field goals in 2022 which led the NAIA and converted at an 80.8 percent clip. 

In total, Keiser was 49-11 with Hilliker on staff and 29-1 in conference play.

Prior to joining Keiser, Hillker spent 22 seasons in the high school ranks including stops at Park Vista, Seminole Ridge Community, and Jupiter Community. In that time, he worked with both sides of the football in various roles.