Wake Forest is moving fast in their effort to replace Dave Clawson, who surprised many with his decision to step away after leading the program to unprecedented success in his 11 seasons leading the Demon Deacons.
Clawson, per sources, informed Wake A.D. John Currie of his intentions last week, and Currie went to work.
Sources have shared with FootballScoop that three current or former FBS head coaches drew interest.
Those coaches are Washington State head coach Jake Dickert, former West Virginia head coach Neal Brown, and James Madison head coach Bob Chesney.
Sources told FootballScoop that Wake officials zeroed in on Dickert late Tuesday night.
Wake Forest, sources said, was flying this morning to pick up Dickert.
Dickert, who has minimal coaching experience east of the Mississippi, has done an admirable job leading Washington State through some turbulent times and conference uncertainty, finishing this past season 8-4.
The success they've had on the field has led to his roster continually raided and tampered with by outside teams annually, leading to understandably clear frustrations. Instead of enjoying bowl prep and knowing they return the bulk of one of the best teams in Washington State history, Dickert was instead left to find a way forward after losing star quarterback John Mateer to Oklahoma as well as a host of other guys who entered the portal.
Brown was just let go after a 37-35 run leading the Mountaineers and would bring plenty of regional ties to the role. He has been in the mix at a number of stops, as well as some attractive Power Four offensive coordinator gigs, but is still on the market as he continues to weigh his options.
Chesney has had a bunch of success at each of his respective stops, and has experience working at institutions with very high academic standards ranging from James Madison (where he just finished an 8-4 debut season) to Holy Cross, as well as Assumption (D-II - MA).
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.