WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Jake Dickert, newly appointed head coach of Wake Forest, acknowledges that his role comes with distinct challenges compared to his previous experience at Washington State, yet he maintains the same foundational beliefs that have steered his career thus far.

Dickert was officially presented to fans and a handful of players on Thursday, expressing enthusiasm about establishing deeper connections with the team. “My priority is to keep this football team intact,” he stated.

During his tenure at Washington State, Dickert compiled a record of 23 wins and 20 losses over three-plus seasons. However, he will not be at the helm for the upcoming Holiday Bowl on December 27 against Syracuse. Instead, his focus is on assembling a formidable roster for Wake Forest’s next season while adjusting to the dynamics of the Power Four conference and a new region. He emphasized that his geographical roots as a small-town Midwesterner played an important part in his choice to come to Wake Forest. “I’m eager to immerse myself in this area,” he expressed.

At 41 years old, Dickert steps into the role previously held by Dave Clawson, who left after a decade and a record of 67-69, including a successful 5-2 bowl performance. This marks Dickert’s second head coaching opportunity in a 17-year coaching career. “Stability was one significant aspect that drew me to Wake Forest,” he elaborated. “In such a chaotic landscape of college football, a sense of stability here is crucial.”

The football program at Wake Forest has indeed demonstrated stability, with Clawson succeeding Jim Grobe, who served from 2001 to 2013. Unlike many other colleges where coaching changes are commonplace, the Demon Deacons’ coaching transitions have been infrequent. “We’ve only had two coaching changes this century,” athletic director John Currie highlighted.

Dickert noted Wake Forest’s strong commitment to athletics, despite being a smaller private institution. “The goal is to develop a sustainable program. Achieving that requires investment in players. At my previous position, we lacked sufficient resources to retain our talent,” he explained.

His relocation also opens up access to a new pool of recruits, a distinct shift from Washington State, which is situated amidst a backdrop of Canada, Oregon, and Idaho. “Given where we were, the recruiting landscape wasn’t exactly thriving,” he reflected. However, he recognizes that Wake Forest, despite being one of the smallest schools in the Bowl Subdivision, offers a different perspective. “Upon arriving, my kids remarked, ‘This looks like a big city,’” he shared.

Ahead of his introduction, Dickert conducted a Zoom meeting with players—most of whom had already departed campus for the semester—on Wednesday. He began scheduling individual discussions with key players like running back Demond Claiborne on Thursday. The abrupt resignation of Clawson and the subsequent appointment of Dickert left many in the program taken aback. “It’s been quite a whirlwind. Everything feels turned upside down,” running back Tate Carney remarked after the announcement. “I’m keen to learn his vision for both me and the rest of the team.”

Wake Forest has had a couple of disappointing seasons, finishing both recent years with 4-8 records, although they celebrated an impressive 11-win season in 2021 that saw them contend for the ACC title. Meanwhile, Washington State, previously a part of the Top 25 rankings, now faces a different landscape after the breakup of the Pac-12, which saw its former schools disperse into various other conferences.

Dickert remains in communication with Clawson, who will assist the university in an advisory capacity. Clawson expressed his past frustrations with the current state of college football. “The last couple of years have been quite challenging due to the transfer portal and NIL complications, but changes in revenue sharing may improve the situation,” he commented.

Ready for this new chapter, Dickert noted that timing was a pivotal factor in his decision to leave. “Washington State was a special place for me, and I owe them my beginnings. However, this new role represents an extraordinary opportunity,” he stated.

Clawson urged supporters of Wake Forest to be patient with Dickert as he transitions into his new position. “You were supportive of me, and I encourage you to extend that same patience to him,” Clawson remarked, acknowledging the rebuilding efforts required after recent roster challenges.

Dickert is eager to forge ahead, conveying his expectations to his players: “I told them to be prepared. A year from now, we won’t be meeting over Zoom; we’ll be gearing up for a bowl game.”