Wayne Hicks

After two seasons under the guidance of former defensive coordinator Jason Brewer, the Red Tornado defense is now in the very capable hands of new coordinator Wayne Hicks.

If that name sounds familiar, it should. Hicks was head football coach at Lenoir-Rhyne College from 2001 to 2006. In his six seasons at the helm of the Bears program, Hicks compiled a 17-36 record. In 2005 the Bears (5-5) managed to avoid finishing below .500 for the first time since 1994.

It should be pointed out that a poor record at L-R says as much about the trustees' lack of commitment to success on the football field as it does about the head coach's abilities. Hicks' two immediate predecessors at L-R, Charlie Forbes and Bill Hart, compiled records of 30-31 and 15-39 respectively. Fred Goldsmith, L-R's current head coach, compiled an underwhelming 2-9 record in 2007.

Prior to his hiring at Lenoir-Rhyne in 2002, Hicks experienced success at North Carolina A&T. He served as the Aggies' defensive coordinator for five seasons (1997-2001) before adding the duties of associate head coach in 2000. His defenses at A&T were some of the best in the country.

Wayne Hicks


In 2000 the Aggie defensive unit finished 5th in the nation in total defense (259.8 yards per game) and scoring (15.8). However, his 1999 famed "Blue Death" defense may have been his best ever, ranking 3rd in total and scoring defense (259.7 and 13.7 respectively). That performance helped the Aggies to an 11-2 mark, the MEAC championship, the mythical Historic Black College National Championship and a trip to the NCAA Division II playoff quarterfinals.

Hicks was rewarded for his work by becoming a two-time American Football Coaches Magazine Division 1-AA Defensive Coordinator of the Year honoree (1999 and 2000 seasons). "Every winner [of the award] was responsible for leading a unit that set records and established excellence," according to the magazine.

Hicks was also nominated for the American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year.

Prior to A&T, Hicks served numerous coaching roles at Elon College (1989-1995), including both coordinating positions. Elon led the nation in rushing in 1992 when Hicks coached the running backs.

In 1988, Hicks was a graduate assistant at Eastern Kentucky University while finishing his master's degree in physical education and sports administration.

His coaching began at his high school alma mater, Marianna High School in Marianna, Florida. From 1984-1987 he served as defensive coordinator and was head wrestling coach. As a grappling mentor, Hicks rebuilt the team into a state contender.

Hicks graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and a minor in biology. At JSU he lettered three years in wrestling and finished third in the Southeast Region.

Hicks was a three-sport standout in high school, lettering in football, wrestling and baseball. On the mat, he won the 1980 regional championship and was a three-time district champion.

Hicks is an active member in the American Football Coaches Association and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. He has also been a volunteer and speaker for numerous organizations including the Special Olympics World and State Games, the UNC Chapel Hill football camp, the National Association of Pop Warner Football and the North Carolina A&T summer football clinic.