The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have announced Scottie Hazelton as their new defensive coordinator. Hazelton, who served as a special assistant to Texas Longhorns’ head coach Steve Sarkisian during the 2024 season, will now join the staff of Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert in Winston-Salem.
Dickert, appointed head coach on December 18 after Dave Clawson stepped down, takes over a program coming off a 4-8 season. Hazelton expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting the program’s vision and Dickert’s leadership as key factors in his decision. Despite Texas reaching the College Football Playoff Semifinals, Hazelton opted to join Wake Forest’s staff, underscoring the Deacons’ potential.
Hazelton brings 29 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level. Before his stint at Texas, he served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Michigan State from 2020 to 2023 and held the same role at Kansas State in 2019. Hazelton’s career also includes three seasons as defensive coordinator for the Wyoming Cowboys and a three-year period with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL, where he worked under Gus Bradley.
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He is well-regarded for his defensive expertise, particularly with linebackers, and has coached several players who have reached the NFL, including Logan Wilson and Chad Muma. Hazelton has previously worked with Jake Dickert during their time on the defensive staff at North Dakota State from 2008 to 2010.
At Wake Forest, Hazelton faces a significant challenge in revitalizing a struggling defense. In the 2024 season, the Demon Deacons ranked 119th in total defense and 115th in points allowed per game. Their secondary allowed an average of 289.3 passing yards per game, placing them last in the nation, and the team surrendered over 30 points in three of their final four games.
Despite these challenges, Hazelton will inherit an experienced group with seven senior starters on defense. Wake Forest aims to rebound from consecutive 4-8 seasons and return to the postseason, a goal that aligns with the program’s previous streak of seven consecutive bowl appearances. Hazelton’s appointment marks a step toward addressing the team’s defensive shortcomings and rebuilding a competitive program under Dickert’s le
adership.