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WINSTON-SALEM – Wake Forest University turned to the Pacific Northwest to find its next football leader, naming Washington State's Jake Dickert as the 33rd head coach in program history on Wednesday. Dickert, who compiled a 23-20 record in four seasons with the Cougars, succeeds Dave Clawson following his resignation earlier this week.
The 40-year-old Dickert brings an impressive defensive pedigree and track record of player development to Winston-Salem. Under his leadership, Washington State reached three bowl games in four seasons while achieving top-20 rankings in each of the past two years, climbing as high as No. 13 in 2023.
"Jake Dickert's demonstrated commitment across his coaching career to fostering excellence and developing student-athletes with character and integrity are closely aligned with Wake Forest's mission and values," Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente said.
Dickert's tenure at Washington State was marked by signature wins and defensive excellence. His Cougars secured consecutive victories over nationally-ranked Wisconsin in 2022 and 2023, while also notching two wins in the Apple Cup rivalry against Washington. His defenses have been particularly opportunistic – since 2017, Dickert-led units have forced 166 turnovers, a mark that would rank among the top 10 nationally during that span.
"Throughout this process, our team conducted an extensive and detailed search, carefully evaluating not only Coach Dickert's coaching achievements but also his character, leadership, and alignment with the values that define Wake Forest," Athletic Director John Currie said.
The Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate has steadily climbed the coaching ranks over 17 seasons, with stops at Wyoming, South Dakota State, and Minnesota State before landing at Washington State. His defensive coordinator experience includes successful stints at Wyoming and Minnesota State, where his 2014 unit ranked second nationally in scoring defense at the Division II level.
Dickert takes over a Wake Forest program looking to rebound from a challenging 2023 campaign. The Demon Deacons aim to return to the success they enjoyed under Clawson, who led the program to seven bowl appearances in 11 seasons.
"I cannot tell you how excited, proud, and honored I am to be the head football coach at Wake Forest University," Dickert said. "My number one priority will be building relationships with our current student-athletes and earning their trust. We will have a clear focus on retaining our current roster while adding valuable pieces that fit our program and Wake Forest University."
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