Jake Dickert sealed a new long-term deal to stay at Wake Forest, a move that immediately funnels more cash into their staff and roster pools and slams the door shut on any outside interest from big-time jobs like Florida State. This is a massive commitment from Wake Forest to their football program, and it solidifies Dickert’s spot in Winston-Salem long term, cutting off one of the hottest names on the coaching carousel.
Wake Forest’s High Stakes Season Just Got Higher
Let’s be real, Dickert has done a sensational job at Wake Forest. He’s got an impressive 17-5 record overall, including an 8-1 run this season with their only stumble coming against Miami. His 9-4 debut campaign? That was the most wins by a first-year coach in Wake Forest history. It’s no wonder he was a hot commodity! The Demon Deacons are currently sitting pretty at No. 13 in the most recent College Football Playoff Rankings. Wake Forest athletic director John Currie said it himself, the university is “committed to football success at the highest level,” praising Dickert for inspiring belief and eliminating outside speculation so everyone can focus on this “special season.” It’s smart, aggressive, and frankly, kind of brilliant.
This move means big things for Wake Forest’s ACC title push. With Dickert locked in, all eyes are now turning to offensive coordinator Rob Ezell and quarterback Gio Lopez. Ezell, in his first year as a playcaller at the Power Four level, is already leading the sport’s No. 9 offense. And Lopez? The dude has an insane 18-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and the No. 8 QBR nationally. They’re absolutely tearing it up!
Dickert’s Northwest Roots and the Florida State Fallout
Dickert’s name wasn’t just popping up in whispers, either. He was repeatedly mentioned as a hot name on the coaching carousel, and for good reason. He’s got local roots, too, having been elevated to head coach at Washington State back in 2021, where he led the Cougars to an 8-4 record and three bowl games over four years. His newfound ties to the ACC made him a popular name for Florida State, who was reportedly looking to solidify their program.
But now? Poof. Dickert is off the board. Florida State’s search for a new head coach just got a whole lot tougher, with their focus now turning elsewhere, including towards former coach Jimbo Fisher. Other names like Duke’s Manny Diaz and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham have also been rumored for the job. It just goes to show you, when you’ve got a good thing going, you lock it down.
This Saturday, No. 13 Wake Forest travels to face SMU. The winner isn’t just getting a W, they’re taking over as the new favorite to reach the ACC Championship Game against Miami. This season is far from over, and Dickert’s commitment makes that road even more thrilling for Demon Deacon Nation.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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