Wake Forest University has announced the hiring of Jake Dickert as their new head football coach, succeeding Dave Clawson, who stepped down unexpectedly. Dickert, 41, previously coached at Washington State, where he compiled a 23-20 record and led the Cougars to three bowl games in four seasons. In his introductory statement, Dickert highlighted the importance of establishing strong relationships with current players and earning their trust, which he views as crucial for the team's success. Clawson's resignation came after a disappointing stretch of two four-win seasons, marking a stark contrast to his overall winning percentage, the highest for any coach at Wake Forest since they joined the ACC in 1953. Before his time at Washington State, Dickert had extensive coaching experience at various FCS and Division II programs.

He expressed enthusiasm about retaining the current roster while seeking to bring in new talent that aligns with the university's values. The appointment marks a new chapter for Wake Forest football as they look to bounce back and improve their performance in the coming seasons.