Paris Hilliard joined the Tiger coaching staff in December 2011. After nearly four years on staff as an assistant, Hilliard moved into the lead role with the track and field program in August 2015. He will continue to serve as an assistant to the cross country program as well.

A native of Lorain, Ohio, Hilliard arrived at Wittenberg after one year as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, Heidelberg University. That followed a stellar collegiate career for the Student Princes in which he earned 10 All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors and six all-state honors, including a first-place finish in the 200-meter dash in 2008. Hilliard was a member of four NCAA Division III provisional qualifying relay teams during his collegiate career, and he made NCAA Division III Championship appearances in 2007 and 2010. He also left his name in the Heidelberg record book as a member of two relays: the 4x200-meter indoor (1:30.04) and the 4x100-meter (41.45).

After joining the Tiger staff, Hilliard helped Victor Banjo to two individual NCAA Division III All-American honors (60-meter dash indoor twice and 100-meter dash outdoor) and coached the Tigers to more than two dozen new school records in sprints, jumps, hurdles, and relays. He also guided the men’s 4x400-meter relay team to a new indoor NCAC record of 3:21.41.

While attending Heidelberg, he was a member of Tau Pi Phi honorary and the Black Student Union, and was twice named to the Dean's List. Hilliard graduated from Heidelberg in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in sports management and business administration. In May 2013, Hilliard finished a master's degree in education at Heidelberg. He currently resides in Springfield, Ohio.