A Transformational Approach to Coaching Football
6/23/2025 7:09:00 AM | Football
“Coach Dickert is transformational. He’s going to change lives. He’s truthful with everybody, and it’s about building young men." - Peter Kaligis
Wake Forest assistant coach for defensive tackles Peter Kaligis and head coach Jake Dickert have been working together most of the last eight years, starting with a stint together at Wyoming where Dickert ascended to become defensive coordinator.
"When Coach Haze (Scottie Hazelton) left, I remember Dickert was the first on the docket to be the defensive coordinator and take over the helm," Kaligis said. "When he took over the room, you could see it—he's a brilliant man. I saw those qualities right away."
Of course, Hazelton also has joined Dickert's staff at Wake Forest, taking on the job of defensive coordinator after successful stops at Kansas State, Texas and Michigan State.
"We've been together for so long," Kaligis said. "We started our journey at Wyoming together — we brought him in and hired him (Dickert) as a safeties coach. Coach Haze was the defensive coordinator at the time, and now to be back with Haze is special.
"But being with Coach Dickert — he's transformational. He's going to change lives. He's truthful with everybody, and it's about building young men. The game's the game, but we got into coaching to grab the souls of young men, to love them, and to show them that their identity is not just football. Their identity is who they are beyond the game. That's what I love about Coach Dickert — because football's in there, but these guys are becoming men. That's why I followed him — because of the transparency and the transformation, and the way we can pour into these young men."
After the graduation and departure of three starters — Bryce Ganious, Jasheen Davis and Kendron Wayman — the defensive line needed some fresh bodies, and the incoming staff went right to work on that in the transfer portal in January.
"Very, very pleased with Dallas (Afalava)," Kaligis said. "I recruited him when I was at Washington State — he was back in Seattle. He ended up going to Idaho, but I always kept my eyes on him. He's a good young man, and I knew him. His energy I absolutely love."
"It's about building the relationship when you recruit. I tell every young man, it's not about Wake Forest or the school you choose. It's about fit — what culture grabs your heart. If it grabs your heart, you'll succeed. If it doesn't, that relationship might still bring us back together later in the portal. But no matter where they go, I want them to be successful."
As Spring Camp progressed, it became clear the defense was a step ahead of the offense most days, and that often started up front in the trenches. There were several returning Demon Deacons who caught the eyes of Kaligis during the 15 practices in the spring.
"Zach (Lohavichan) has really stood out," he said. "He played last year — 353 snaps — and he's so intelligent. I can say something without saying it on film and he'll do it. That's impressive. Mateen (Ibirogba) is a young man who now believes in what he can do. I see the confidence, the smile, the glow in his eyes. It's always been there, and now it's coming out.
"Wyatt's (Crespi) improved and KT (Ka'Shawn Thomas) have improved. (Jayden) Loving is coming in and has taken some limited reps, but he's done a good job too. Their focus has been great. I tell them, I want guys who encourage each other all the way through practice. We need everybody. If someone's not meeting the standard, lift them up. If not, we'll start the whole thing over. It's about connection and bond — when that happens, that's when it blossoms."
As technique becomes proficient and the scheme has been ingested, then the defensive line can become more instinctual, physical and aggressive — something that Kaligis noticed as camp progressed.
"What I'm seeing from the young men, from the team, is confidence," he said. "They're knowing their job, they're trusting the scheme, they're learning it, they're seeing things faster, and they're playing together and playing fast. And that's the fun part—watching that come together."
"Specifically with the defensive front, I've seen technical progress. Team-wise, the defense is running hot — they're running to the ball. They're trusting each other, seeing things faster. The technique we've been coaching for 13 practices is starting to unfold. Up front, they're starting to dissect things. As soon as the offensive lineman moves, his intentions never lie. I can tell if it's inside zone, outside zone, or gap scheme. If I get the high hat, then let's see — let's go fly."
But early success isn't leading to complacency, because Kaligis realizes it's all still a major work in progress, and the Deacs have scant time ahead of them before the season kicks off on Aug. 29 against Kennesaw State at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
"I'm never going to be happy," he said. "I'm never going to be satisfied — because it can always be one step better. Block destruction can always go one notch higher. But yeah, traditionally, the defense is a step ahead in the first scrimmage. After fall camp, the offense catches up. Offense is about timing — it's an orchestra. You've got to orchestrate 11 guys, especially the five up front. What I love about defense is that it can be chaotic. I've got my gap, my movement, and we go. That's how it flows."
Off the field, Kaligis acknowledged he'll be a bit more happy when July arrives.
"Ball is ball, but the main adjustment is I can't wait to get my wife out here in July and have my family here — get out of Babcock Hall and into a house," he said. "That's been the biggest adjustment, just living on campus. But honestly, I chose it because I'm close — only a five-minute walk away from the office. It's the best way to go."
"When Coach Haze (Scottie Hazelton) left, I remember Dickert was the first on the docket to be the defensive coordinator and take over the helm," Kaligis said. "When he took over the room, you could see it—he's a brilliant man. I saw those qualities right away."
Of course, Hazelton also has joined Dickert's staff at Wake Forest, taking on the job of defensive coordinator after successful stops at Kansas State, Texas and Michigan State.
"We've been together for so long," Kaligis said. "We started our journey at Wyoming together — we brought him in and hired him (Dickert) as a safeties coach. Coach Haze was the defensive coordinator at the time, and now to be back with Haze is special.
"But being with Coach Dickert — he's transformational. He's going to change lives. He's truthful with everybody, and it's about building young men. The game's the game, but we got into coaching to grab the souls of young men, to love them, and to show them that their identity is not just football. Their identity is who they are beyond the game. That's what I love about Coach Dickert — because football's in there, but these guys are becoming men. That's why I followed him — because of the transparency and the transformation, and the way we can pour into these young men."
After the graduation and departure of three starters — Bryce Ganious, Jasheen Davis and Kendron Wayman — the defensive line needed some fresh bodies, and the incoming staff went right to work on that in the transfer portal in January.
"Very, very pleased with Dallas (Afalava)," Kaligis said. "I recruited him when I was at Washington State — he was back in Seattle. He ended up going to Idaho, but I always kept my eyes on him. He's a good young man, and I knew him. His energy I absolutely love."
"It's about building the relationship when you recruit. I tell every young man, it's not about Wake Forest or the school you choose. It's about fit — what culture grabs your heart. If it grabs your heart, you'll succeed. If it doesn't, that relationship might still bring us back together later in the portal. But no matter where they go, I want them to be successful."
As Spring Camp progressed, it became clear the defense was a step ahead of the offense most days, and that often started up front in the trenches. There were several returning Demon Deacons who caught the eyes of Kaligis during the 15 practices in the spring.
"Zach (Lohavichan) has really stood out," he said. "He played last year — 353 snaps — and he's so intelligent. I can say something without saying it on film and he'll do it. That's impressive. Mateen (Ibirogba) is a young man who now believes in what he can do. I see the confidence, the smile, the glow in his eyes. It's always been there, and now it's coming out.
"Wyatt's (Crespi) improved and KT (Ka'Shawn Thomas) have improved. (Jayden) Loving is coming in and has taken some limited reps, but he's done a good job too. Their focus has been great. I tell them, I want guys who encourage each other all the way through practice. We need everybody. If someone's not meeting the standard, lift them up. If not, we'll start the whole thing over. It's about connection and bond — when that happens, that's when it blossoms."
As technique becomes proficient and the scheme has been ingested, then the defensive line can become more instinctual, physical and aggressive — something that Kaligis noticed as camp progressed.
"What I'm seeing from the young men, from the team, is confidence," he said. "They're knowing their job, they're trusting the scheme, they're learning it, they're seeing things faster, and they're playing together and playing fast. And that's the fun part—watching that come together."
"Specifically with the defensive front, I've seen technical progress. Team-wise, the defense is running hot — they're running to the ball. They're trusting each other, seeing things faster. The technique we've been coaching for 13 practices is starting to unfold. Up front, they're starting to dissect things. As soon as the offensive lineman moves, his intentions never lie. I can tell if it's inside zone, outside zone, or gap scheme. If I get the high hat, then let's see — let's go fly."
But early success isn't leading to complacency, because Kaligis realizes it's all still a major work in progress, and the Deacs have scant time ahead of them before the season kicks off on Aug. 29 against Kennesaw State at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
"I'm never going to be happy," he said. "I'm never going to be satisfied — because it can always be one step better. Block destruction can always go one notch higher. But yeah, traditionally, the defense is a step ahead in the first scrimmage. After fall camp, the offense catches up. Offense is about timing — it's an orchestra. You've got to orchestrate 11 guys, especially the five up front. What I love about defense is that it can be chaotic. I've got my gap, my movement, and we go. That's how it flows."
Off the field, Kaligis acknowledged he'll be a bit more happy when July arrives.
"Ball is ball, but the main adjustment is I can't wait to get my wife out here in July and have my family here — get out of Babcock Hall and into a house," he said. "That's been the biggest adjustment, just living on campus. But honestly, I chose it because I'm close — only a five-minute walk away from the office. It's the best way to go."
Players Mentioned
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