Wake Forest has promptly secured a new head football coach, reaching all the way to Washington State for Jake Dickert, who was hired on Wednesday. This transition comes just two days after Dave Clawson’s unexpected resignation after 11 seasons with the program, during which he consistently led the team to bowl games and claimed an Atlantic Coast Conference division title.
Athletic director John Currie expressed confidence in Dickert’s methodology, emphasizing his focus on developing talent through structured plans, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to the growth of student-athletes. Currie noted that Dickert’s philosophy mirrors the successful elements that characterized Clawson’s transformative decade-long tenure at Wake Forest. “Jake’s vision of fostering personal growth, building trust within the team, and competing fiercely for championships aligns perfectly with our foundational principles,” Currie stated in an announcement.
At 41 years old, Dickert initially took over as interim head coach for Washington State in the 2021 season after Nick Rolovich was dismissed for not adhering to a state mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for employees. Under Dickert’s direction, the team finished the season with a 3-3 record, which led to his permanent appointment. He has a coaching record of 20-17 over the subsequent three seasons. The Athletic first reported on Wake Forest’s decision to hire Dickert, who is expected to introduce himself in a press conference scheduled for Thursday.
In his statement, Dickert emphasized his commitment to maintaining the current roster while also seeking to enhance the team with new talent specifically suited to the Wake Forest program. He conveyed his eagerness to become part of the community, reinforcing his belief that this opportunity is ideal for both his family and the program. Under Dickert’s leadership, Washington State spent a total of nine weeks in the AP Top 25 over the last two seasons and achieved a peak ranking of No. 13 during a five-week span following a successful start in 2023. They ended this season with an 8-4 record.
Washington State’s athletic director, Anne McCoy, announced that Pete Kaligis, the assistant head coach and defensive tackles coach, will take charge of the team for their upcoming bowl game against No. 22 Syracuse on December 27. “This team has put in tremendous effort and achieved a lot this year,” McCoy commented. “They deserve to conclude their season with a memorable bowl game experience.”
Prior to his role at Washington State, Dickert spent three years at Wyoming and has a wealth of experience from coaching positions at the Division II level, primarily located in the central or western regions of the United States. His previous role at Southeast Missouri State during 2012 marked his eastward boundary. Now, as he transitions to Wake Forest, a prominent private institution in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he faces the challenge of leading a program that has experienced back-to-back seasons with disappointing 4-8 records, a stark contrast to Clawson’s otherwise prosperous tenure.
The changing landscape in college athletics, particularly with the rise of the transfer portal and the ability for athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness, has posed challenges for Wake Forest’s strategy of player retention and development. The Demon Deacons previously enjoyed success, highlighted by an 11-win season and an ACC title game appearance in 2021, along with multiple appearances in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 during 2021 and 2022, which followed a streak of seven consecutive bowl trips.
In an emotional farewell, Clawson indicated that it was “time” for a new direction as the school adapts to the imminent revenue-sharing era. He mentioned that he had conversations with several candidates for the coaching role while preparing to transition into an advisory position with Currie. “I believe I can assist with the process during this transition,” Clawson remarked. He conveyed his intent not to interfere with the new coaching staff’s plans, stating, “I will either be as involved or uninvolved as you wish,” highlighting his willingness to support Dickert in whatever capacity deemed necessary.
And now, that new leadership rests with Jake Dickert as he embarks on this next chapter for Wake Forest football.
