Ewing, NJ … Just a few days after enjoying a season that exceeded expectations, The College of New Jersey made certain they locked in Wayne Dickens to lead its football program into the future.

Dickens, who was hired as interim head coach on August 1, 2013, has been named the full-time football coach of the Lions. He led the 2013 squad to a 5-5 overall record and 4-3 mark in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. Dickens met his players for the first time at preseason camp on August 15 and had TCNJ football in the thick of the NJAC-title race into November.

"We are excited to announce that Wayne has accepted our offer to remain as the head coach of the Lions' football program," noted interim director of athletics and recreation, Gregory Pogue. "Simply put, the job that he did leading this group of student-athletes was exceptional. Wayne can now hit the recruiting trail with certainty and vigor."

Dickens was formerly the head coach at Kentucky State University. He also called on his coaching experience from his stints as an assistant at the University of Washington, the University of San Diego, and Norfolk State University. Dickens is originally from New Jersey and earned his bachelor's degree at Rutgers College.

"I am appreciative of the opportunity and confidence Dr. Pogue has shown in me to lead this football program," said Dickens, who had just exited a meeting with his staff on recruiting strategy. "I am so grateful to the group of players I had to work with this season. They came out and worked hard every day.

"I'm excited to have a full year to prepare for next season. My staff and I are looking forward to the recruiting season and adding to our talented pool of student-athletes."

Pogue also announced the appointment of Rocky Hager as the assistant coach and defensive coordinator. Hager held the job this year on an interim basis and did a masterful job orchestrating the Lions' defensive unit, which ranked first in the conference in scoring defense, total defense, and red zone defense. Hager also owns an impressive past coaching history, winning two national championships as head coach at North Dakota State, a Division II program.

TCNJ dropped its first two games on the season before winning four straight and five of its final eight games. The Lions finished fourth in the NJAC.

Dickens is the 10^th head coach in the 89-year history of TCNJ's football program.