Wake Forest University has officially secured its head football coach, Jake Dickert, through a new contract that will significantly expand the staff and roster salary pools. This agreement ensures Dickert remains in Winston-Salem for the long term, effectively ending speculation that he might pursue one of the larger openings currently available in college football.
Dickert has led the Demon Deacons to impressive results since arriving at the program. The team currently holds a 17-5 record, which includes an 8-1 mark this season with a single loss to Miami. His first year at the helm saw a 9-4 campaign, a record that stands as the most wins ever achieved by a first-year coach in the university's history. As of the latest College Football Playoff Rankings, Wake Forest sits at No. 13.
Athletic Director John Currie praised the coach's ability to inspire the player base and the broader community. Currie noted that the university is committed to football success at the highest level and expressed gratitude for the trust shown by Dickert and his wife, Candice. The administration stated that the new contract was designed to eliminate outside speculation, allowing the team and fans to concentrate fully on the final stretch of the season.
With the head coaching position stabilized, attention will likely shift to other key figures in the program, particularly offensive coordinator Rob Ezell and quarterback Gio Lopez. Ezell is in his first year as a playcaller at the Power Four level and is currently guiding the No. 9 ranked offense in the country. Meanwhile, Lopez has demonstrated exceptional efficiency, maintaining an 18-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and holding the No. 8 Quarterback Rating nationally.
The Demon Deacons will travel to face SMU on Saturday. The outcome of that game is significant, as the winner will become the favorite to reach the ACC Championship Game against Miami. This matchup highlights the competitive depth within the conference and the high stakes for Wake Forest as they navigate the remainder of the schedule.
Dickert’s professional journey to this point is notable for its rapid ascent. After starting as a wide receiver at Wisconsin-Stevens Point, he moved to North Dakota State as a safeties coach two years after graduating. He subsequently worked his way up through Division II programs at Augustana and Minnesota State before reaching the Football Bowl Subdivision.
In 2021, Dickert was named interim head coach at Washington State following the departure of Nick Rolovich. He guided the Cougars to a 23-20 record over his tenure, helping the team reach the Holiday Bowl despite the challenges posed by the instability of the Pac-12 Conference. His success in stabilizing Washington State paved the way for his current role at Wake Forest.
The new contract also solidifies the culture that was previously established by former coach Dave Clawson. While Clawson was known for consistent success as a developmental coach, Dickert has taken that foundation and elevated the program in the current era. This continuity is seen as a major asset for the team's future prospects.
The departure of Dickert from the coaching carousel also impacts other programs. Florida State had considered Dickert as a strong candidate to solidify their program. With him now signed at Wake Forest, Florida State's search will turn to other options, including former coach Jimbo Fisher. Additionally, Manny Diaz from Duke and Kenny Dillingham from Arizona State have been mentioned as potential candidates for the Florida State vacancy.
Dickert expressed his appreciation for the support received from the Wake Forest community in a social media post. He emphasized the shared vision for the future of the football program and the excitement of being part of its next chapter. The coaching staff and players will now look to maintain their momentum as they aim to keep the Demon Deacons competitive in the national rankings.
