From backup quarterback to the helm of Wake Forest football
In short: Before leading major programs, Jake Dickert was a versatile player navigating sudden surgeries and position changes. His journey through the ranks of college football is a masterclass in persistence, moving from graduate assistant roles to the high-stakes world of Power Five head coaching.
Jake Dickert's path to the top of college football was built through years of ascending the coaching ladder. After playing quarterback and later wide receiver at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where he led the WIAC in receptions per game during his 2006 season, Dickert began his professional journey in 2007. He started as a graduate assistant under John Miech before moving to North Dakota State in 2008, where he eventually rose to become safeties coach under Craig Bohl.
His career has been defined by a series of strategic moves across various programs. Between 2011 and 2019, Dickert held pivotal roles at South Dakota, Southeast Missouri State, Augustana, Minnesota State, South Dakota State, and Wyoming. At Wyoming, his progression culminated in a promotion to defensive coordinator in 2019, setting the stage for his entry into the Power Five landscape.
The most significant turning point occurred in 2020, when he joined Nick Rolovich's staff at Washington State as defensive coordinator. Following the dismissal of Rolovich and several assistants in October 2021 due to state vaccination mandates, Dickert stepped up as acting head coach. He was officially named the permanent head coach on November 27, 2021, shortly after a dominant 40–13 victory in the Apple Cup. Following his tenure at Washington State, which lasted through 2024, Dickert was appointed head coach at Wake Forest in December 2024, succeeding the resigning Dave Clawson.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jake Dickert
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