Wake Forest Football: Jake Dickert Signs Extension Through 2031

Jake Dickert has signed a long-term contract extension with Wake Forest University that locks him in as head coach through 2031. The new deal includes expanded salary pools for both the coaching staff and the roster, a financial move intended to stabilize the program during the current season.

Dickert, who is currently leading the Demon Deacons to an 8-1 record this season, had been linked to several high-profile vacancies in college football. His only loss this year came against Miami. Before this season, he posted a 9-4 record in his first year at the helm, a total that stands as the most wins by a first-year coach in the university's history.

Athletic Director John Currie said the new agreement was designed to eliminate outside speculation. Currie stated that the university is committed to football success and expressed gratitude for the trust shown by Dickert and his wife, Candice. The administration hopes the signed contract allows the team and fans to focus on the final stretch of the season.

The program currently ranks No. 13 in the College Football Playoff. On the field, offensive coordinator Rob Ezell is guiding the No. 9 offense in the country. Quarterback Gio Lopez maintains an 18-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and holds the No. 8 Quarterback Rating nationally.

Wake Forest travels to face SMU on Saturday. The winner of that game will become the favorite to reach the ACC Championship Game against Miami. The outcome will determine the Demon Deacons' position in the conference race as the regular season nears its end.

Dickert's arrival at Wake Forest followed a rapid rise through the coaching ranks. He started as a wide receiver at Wisconsin-Stevens Point and moved to North Dakota State as a safeties coach two years after graduating. He worked through Division II programs at Augustana and Minnesota State before reaching the Football Bowl Subdivision. In 2021, he served as interim head coach at Washington State, guiding the team to a 23-20 record and a Holiday Bowl berth.

The extension also affects the coaching market at other schools. Florida State had considered Dickert a strong candidate to stabilize their program. With him signed at Wake Forest, the Seminoles' search will turn to other options, including former coach Jimbo Fisher. Manny Diaz of Duke and Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State have also been mentioned as potential candidates for the Florida State vacancy.