**IT’S SO HEARTBREAKING: Wake Forest Demon Deacons Head Coach Jacob Dickert Breaks Silence Immediately After General Manager Makes Shocking Announcement Following Mitch Griffis’ Failure**
*Winston-Salem, NC* — The Wake Forest Demon Deacons football program has been thrust into turmoil following a shocking announcement by the team’s General Manager regarding quarterback Mitch Griffis, prompting an emotional and candid response from newly appointed Head Coach Jacob Dickert.
The announcement, which came late Sunday evening, confirmed what many had feared but few expected to hear so soon: Mitch Griffis, once considered the future of Wake Forest football, will no longer be part of the program heading into the 2025 season. The decision followed a tumultuous 2024 campaign that saw inconsistency at the quarterback position, internal discord, and disappointing results that left fans and alumni searching for answers.
### The Shocking Announcement
General Manager Tyler Reddick issued a statement that rippled through the Wake Forest community like an earthquake:
> “After careful evaluation of our quarterback situation and program direction, we have made the difficult decision to move on from Mitch Griffis. We appreciate his contributions to Wake Forest Football and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his journey.”
Griffis, a redshirt junior in 2024, entered the season as the presumed starter following Sam Hartman’s transfer and showed flashes of potential early on. However, as the season wore on, his performance waned. He completed just 57% of his passes for 1,924 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The offense struggled with consistency, often appearing disjointed and lacking identity, leading to a 5-7 record and missing out on bowl eligibility.
### Head Coach Jacob Dickert Breaks His Silence
In a hastily arranged press conference Monday morning, Head Coach Jacob Dickert—who was hired only months earlier to revitalize the program after Dave Clawson’s departure—spoke with visible emotion as he addressed the media for the first time since the announcement.
“Let me start by saying this: Mitch is a young man with immense talent and heart. This decision was not about blame or scapegoating—it was about the future of this program and creating a new standard for Wake Forest football,” Dickert said, pausing several times as he composed himself. “It’s heartbreaking. These are the hardest moments in coaching. But we have to be honest with ourselves. We have to do what’s best for the team.”
Dickert, who came to Wake Forest with a reputation for defensive intensity and cultural accountability from his previous stint at Washington State, emphasized that this decision was part of a broader reset of the team’s identity.
“This isn’t about one player,” Dickert continued. “This is about every position, every coach, every process. We are redefining who we are. And unfortunately, that sometimes means letting go of players who’ve given a lot to the program. Mitch has our full respect.”
### What Went Wrong?
Insiders close to the program revealed that tensions had been brewing internally during the 2024 season. While Griffis was expected to fill the void left by Hartman, his leadership reportedly came under scrutiny from both teammates and coaching staff.
“There were questions about accountability, about ownership of the locker room,” said one anonymous source within the athletic department. “There were also concerns about his ability to command the offense in high-pressure situations. Some of that fell on coaching, but some of it didn’t.”
The offensive line struggled with injuries, the receiving corps was inconsistent, and the running game lacked a clear feature back. Despite those factors, the coaching staff believed Griffis was not progressing as expected.
Jacob Dickert confirmed that a complete audit of the offensive scheme is underway.
“We have to be dynamic. We have to be innovative,” Dickert said. “The ACC is evolving, and we cannot be static. That begins with the quarterback position.”
### The Reaction
The news sparked a whirlwind of emotions across Wake Forest’s fanbase. On social media, reactions ranged from shock and sadness to hope for a new direction.
“Griffis gave us all he had, but it wasn’t enough. I hope he finds success elsewhere,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Others questioned the timing and the public nature of the announcement.
“Feels like they’re using Griffis as a scapegoat. There were bigger issues than QB play,” another user posted.
Former players and teammates also expressed support for Griffis.
“Always had your back and always will. You gave it your all,” wrote former teammate and wide receiver Donavon Greene. “Head up, bro.”
### What’s Next for Wake Forest?
With Griffis gone, speculation has already begun about who will lead the offense in 2025. Redshirt freshman Hunter Lawrence and sophomore Tyler Garrison are the next men up, but neither has seen significant game action. Sources indicate that Wake Forest will be active in the transfer portal in search of an experienced quarterback.
“We’re casting a wide net,” Coach Dickert confirmed. “We need someone who not only fits our system but also our values.”
Wake Forest has already begun off-season workouts, and the coaching staff is focusing on instilling a new culture centered on accountability, toughness, and adaptability.
“We have to get back to being a team that plays with fire and unity,” Dickert said. “This program has the potential to be special, but that won’t happen unless everyone is pulling in the same direction.”
### Mitch Griffis’ Future
As for Griffis, sources close to him suggest he will enter the transfer portal and seek a fresh start elsewhere. He has yet to make a public statement, but those close to him say he remains grateful for his time at Wake Forest.
“He’s disappointed, sure,” said one family member. “But he’s not broken. He’s got more football in him, and he’ll show people that.”
### A Program at a Crossroads
The departure of Mitch Griffis and the raw emotion displayed by Jacob Dickert signal a turning point for Wake Forest Football. With a new coaching regime, mounting pressure from a competitive ACC, and a restless fan base, the program stands at a crossroads.
Whether this bold decision will usher in a new era of success or set the team further back remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Wake Forest Football is changing.
And change, even when necessary, is often heartbreaking.
—
Wou
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