It’s a new dawn in Winston-Salem. After Dave Clawson’s unexpected departure, Wake Forest has gone all in on an interesting decision. They have signed Jake Dickert, the no-nonsense coach who was previously the head coach of Washington State. He took over the Cougars in 2021 and has since had a 23-20 record.
This includes an 8-1 start in 2024. Now, Wake Forest is banking on Dickert’s defensive smarts and recruiting talent to move the needle in the ACC. And no doubt, they will be paying for this move! So, what does it take to steal a coach with a Pac-12 pedigree?
Jake Dickert’s Salary and Contract
Well, Wake Forest isn’t saying just yet. The fine print on Jake Dickert’s new contract has not been made public yet. But the Demon Deacons probably had to pay a very good amount considering Dickert’s last paycheque.
Dickert was making $2.55 million in 2024 at Washington State. That’s before any bonus money came into play. He had a potential $550,000 sitting in max bonuses that year alone. In 2023 and 2022, he was paid $2.7 million each season.
This means Wake Forest had to come correct if they wanted Dickert to leave Pullman. According to 247Sports, his previous contract with Washington State was extended through 2027, so there was likely a buyout to be covered. So, this was undoubtedly a big move for Wake Forest.
To be fair, before making seven figures, Jake Dickert sure did work for it. His early coaching journey, which covers a lot of the Midwest, says it all. Dickert has coached at Stevens Point, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota State, Southeast Missouri, and Wyoming.
By 2019, he was earning around $250,000 as an assistant at Wyoming. Then in 2021, he moved to $615,000 as an assistant at Washington State. And at the end of the same year, Jack Dickert was named head coach. That’s when the numbers changed completely.
Dickert moved from $615K to $2.7 million in one season. Now the question is, can Dickert, with a bigger paycheck, change the face of Wake Forest? It is true that Wake’s been a little bit in a rut lately.
And judging by how aggressively they’re diving into the transfer portal, they want results yesterday. Dickert’s known for recruiting with purpose, and his defensive mind could be exactly what the Demon Deacons need. And if the salary numbers are any indication, they’re betting big that Jake Dickert.
KEEP READING: Wake Forest Football Transfer Portal
All eyes are on Wake Forest; this just might be the season that the Demon Deacons’ fortunes change in the ACC.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
