As of the 2026 cycle, the Wake Forest University football program has undergone a significant structural transformation following the appointment of Jake Dickert as the 33rd head coach in December 2024. The coaching staff now reflects a blend of experienced tactical minds from both the professional and collegiate ranks, aimed at maintaining the Demon Deacons' competitive edge in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The current core leadership for Wake Forest football includes:

  • Head Coach: Jake Dickert
  • Assistant Head Coach: Justin Kramer (Baker Family Assistant Head Coach)
  • Offensive Coordinator: Rob Ezell
  • General Manager: Rob Schlaeger

Head Coaching Leadership

Jake Dickert leads the program with a focus on defensive discipline and organizational efficiency. His arrival marked a pivot point for Wake Forest, bringing a coaching philosophy characterized by high-intensity preparation and a modernized approach to player personnel management. As the head coach, Dickert oversees all aspects of the program, from on-field tactical decisions to the broader strategic direction of the recruitment and development pipelines.

Supporting Dickert in a high-level administrative and coaching capacity is Justin Kramer. Serving as the Assistant Head Coach, Kramer plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of the team, ensuring that the head coach's vision is implemented across all units. The role of Assistant Head Coach at Wake Forest often involves bridging the gap between the offensive and defensive rooms while assisting with specialized position groups, particularly the offensive line and tight ends.

Offensive Coaching Staff

The offensive philosophy at Wake Forest continues to emphasize precision and adaptability. Under the direction of Offensive Coordinator Rob Ezell, the staff is organized to maximize the output of the skill positions while maintaining a robust presence in the trenches.

Offensive Coordination and Quarterbacks

Rob Ezell serves as the primary architect of the Demon Deacons' offensive schemes. His role involves play-calling duties and the direct mentorship of the quarterbacks. The strategy focuses on a balanced attack that leverages the unique spacing and timing requirements of the modern ACC environment.

Wide Receivers

Dyrell Roberts joined the staff as an assistant coach focusing on wide receivers in late 2025. Roberts is responsible for the technical development of the receiving corps, focusing on route running, release packages, and perimeter blocking. His addition to the staff was intended to bolster the team's explosive play potential and improve the integration of younger talent into the starting rotation.

Offensive Line and Run Game

Carter Webb serves as an assistant for the offensive line, working under the broader offensive infrastructure to refine the techniques of the front five. The offensive line coaching at Wake Forest is critical, given the program's history of utilizing sophisticated blocking schemes. Webb brings experience from previous roles at Washington State and Western Kentucky, providing a technical perspective on pass protection and zone-blocking transitions.

Running Backs and Tight Ends

The staff includes dedicated assistants for the running game and tight ends, ensuring that the "pro-style" elements of the offense remain intact. These coaches focus on ball security, blitz pickup, and the dual-threat nature of the tight end position in Dickert’s system.

Defensive Coaching Staff

The defensive side of the ball has seen considerable reinforcement since 2025, with a focus on stopping the high-tempo offenses prevalent in the conference.

Linebackers and Defensive Front

Adam Pilapil serves as the assistant coach for linebackers, a position he has held since the 2025 season. Pilapil’s focus is on the interior defense, specifically the communication between the defensive line and the secondary. His coaching emphasizes gap integrity and sideline-to-sideline pursuit speed.

Defensive Assistants and Quality Control

Bobby Maffei joined the staff in March 2025 as a defensive assistant. Maffei arrived with a background in the NFL, specifically with the Carolina Panthers, where he worked on defensive quality control and secondary schemes. At Wake Forest, his responsibilities include analyzing opponent tendencies and assisting with the goal-line defensive game planning.

Kyle Thornton serves as a defensive quality control staff member. A former team captain under Jake Dickert at Washington State, Thornton brings a deep understanding of the head coach’s defensive system. His role is largely analytical, involving the breakdown of practice film and the preparation of scouting reports for the active coaching staff.

Special Teams and Specialized Units

Special teams are treated as a foundational third phase of the game at Wake Forest. Rhett Purling joined the staff in early 2025 to assist with special teams coordination. Purling’s background includes stints at Long Island University and Marshall, where he specialized in kick coverage and return schemes.

The special teams staff focuses on:

  1. Kick and Punt Coverage: Minimizing opponent return yardage through disciplined lane assignments.
  2. Specialist Development: Working closely with kickers, punters, and long snappers on technical consistency.
  3. Return Strategies: Designing schemes to create field position advantages.

Recruiting and Alumni Relations

Modern college football coaching requires a dedicated staff for off-field management, particularly in the realms of high school relations and the transfer portal.

Mark Holcomb holds the position of Director of High School and Alumni Relations. Hired in March 2025, Holcomb brings over 30 years of experience in the North Carolina high school football landscape. His role is essential for:

  • In-State Recruiting: Maintaining strong ties with North Carolina high school coaches to ensure a steady pipeline of local talent.
  • Alumni Engagement: Building bridges between former Demon Deacons and the current program to foster a supportive community and career network for graduating student-athletes.
  • Coaching Education: Hosting clinics and events that position Wake Forest as a hub for football development in the region.

Graduate Assistants and Analysts

The "team behind the team" consists of analysts and graduate assistants who perform the granular work of football operations. These individuals often transition into full-time coaching roles and are vital for the program's efficiency.

  • Jeb Rice (Offensive Analyst): Joined in 2025 after serving at the University of South Alabama. Rice works closely with Rob Ezell on quarterback drills and film study.
  • Jake Benzinger (Graduate Assistant, Offensive Line): A former three-year starter for Wake Forest, Benzinger provides a bridge between the program's traditions and the new coaching staff's techniques.
  • Nasir Greer (Graduate Assistant, Defensive Backs): Another alumnus, Greer focuses on the secondary, bringing experience from both Wake Forest and professional stints in the NFL and XFL.

These roles involve extensive film breakdown, signal-calling assistance during games, and the management of the scout team during weekly practices.

Support and Performance Staff

Beyond the tactical coaches, a large group of specialists ensures the physical and mental readiness of the athletes. This includes:

  • Sports Performance: Directed by specialists who manage the weight room and conditioning programs, focusing on injury prevention and explosive power.
  • Nutrition: Dedicated staff who oversee the caloric and supplemental needs of the players, ensuring peak physical condition throughout the grueling ACC schedule.
  • Athletic Training: A comprehensive medical team that handles rehabilitation, daily taping, and emergency care.
  • Academic Services: Counselors who ensure that student-athletes meet the rigorous academic standards of Wake Forest University.

Wake Forest Basketball Coaching Staff

While the football staff has seen recent changes, the Wake Forest men’s basketball program remains under the stable leadership of Steve Forbes. As of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, the basketball coaching staff includes:

  • Head Coach: Steve Forbes
  • Assistant Coaches: BJ McKie, Matt Woodley, Jason Shay, and Antanas Kavaliauskas.

The basketball staff is credited with revitalizing the program’s presence in the ACC, focusing on a mix of veteran transfer portal additions and high-level high school recruiting. Steve Forbes’ staff emphasizes a "toughness-first" culture, which has resulted in consistent winning seasons and postseason contention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the head football coach at Wake Forest?

Jake Dickert is the current head football coach at Wake Forest University. He was appointed in December 2024, becoming the 33rd head coach in the history of the program.

Who is the offensive coordinator for Wake Forest football?

Rob Ezell serves as the offensive coordinator. He is responsible for the team's offensive strategy and works directly with the quarterbacks.

What is the role of the Director of High School and Alumni Relations?

This role, currently held by Mark Holcomb, focuses on maintaining relationships with high school coaches, particularly in North Carolina, and engaging with former players to support the program's long-term growth and recruiting efforts.

Who leads the Wake Forest men’s basketball team?

Steve Forbes is the head coach of the Wake Forest men’s basketball team. He is supported by a staff that includes BJ McKie and Matt Woodley.

What are the duties of a Quality Control coach at Wake Forest?

Quality Control staff, such as Kyle Thornton, focus on analytical tasks. They break down game film, prepare scouting reports for opponents, and provide data-driven insights to the on-field coaching staff to assist in game planning.

Summary of the Demon Deacon Coaching Structure

The coaching staff at Wake Forest University represents a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support student-athletes in every facet of their collegiate experience. In football, the transition to Jake Dickert has brought in a new wave of assistants with diverse backgrounds ranging from the NFL to successful high school programs. This diverse expertise is balanced by the retention of alumni like Jake Benzinger and Nasir Greer, who maintain the "Old Gold & Black" tradition.

In basketball, the continuity under Steve Forbes provides a blueprint for success through veteran leadership and tactical consistency. Together, these coaching units operate under the broader umbrella of Wake Forest Athletics, emphasizing the dual commitment to athletic excellence and academic integrity. As the landscape of college sports continues to evolve with the transfer portal and new recruitment rules, the current staff configurations reflect a strategic effort to remain a top-tier contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference.