Macalester athletic director Donnie Brooks has announced the hiring of Phil Nicolaides as the Scots' head football coach. Nicolaides has served as the defensive coordinator at Randolph-Macon in Ashland, Virginia, for the past six years.
Nicolaides replaces Kijuan Ware, who held the job on an interim basis this past season.
"Phil is a champion for his players and the student-athlete experience, while also setting a high standard for success on and off the field," Brooks said. "As one of the youngest coordinators and now head coaches in the country, his experiences and vision for a highly competitive program and successful student-athlete experience left the committee excited for what's ahead for the Scots."
Nicolaides, 31, led a Yellow Jackets defense that ranked either first or second in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in points allowed during all six of his seasons at Randolph-Macon. Their stout defense helped the Yellow Jackets claim three ODAC championships and compile a 48-11 record, which followed a 9-11 record the two years prior to Nicolaides' arrival in Ashland. In 2018, Randolph-Macon upset John Carroll, ranked eighth nationally at the time, for the first NCAA playoff victory in the program's history. The Yellow Jackets finished the 2018 and 2021 seasons ranked in the Division III top 20.
Along with leading the Yellow Jackets' defense, Nicolaides was heavily involved in recruiting as well as coordinating multiple camps for prospects and youth players. He also worked with special teams, helping to develop schemes for each unit. Off the field, Nicolaides contributed to the overall development of the student-athletes, assisting with the academic guidance and lifestyle accountability for Randolph-Macon's players.
"I am extremely grateful to have been selected as the next head football coach at Macalester College," Nicolaides said. "I would like to thank director of athletics Donnie Brooks and the search committee for this incredible opportunity to work with some of the most driven student-athletes in the country. As I met with faculty, staff, alumni, and players throughout the interview process, it became clear that Macalester is a very special place because of its incredible people and their common vision. My wife, Stephanie, and I are excited to immerse ourselves in the Macalester and St. Paul communities. I cannot wait to meet the team, build relationships, and begin preparing for the 2022 season."
Prior to coaching at Randolph-Macon, Nicolaides spent two seasons at Franklin & Marshall as the defensive backs coach and video coordinator. He began his coaching career in 2013 as the linebackers/defensive backs coach at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, while also working at 360 Sports as an NFL recruiting and scouting intern.
A native of Exton, Pennsylvania, Nicolaides attended Carnegie Mellon, where he played linebacker and safety for the Tartans from 2009-12. He graduated in 2013 with degrees in business finance and psychology.
Macalester was 3-7 overall and 1-3 in the MIAC Skyline Division in the Scots' first season back in the MIAC since leaving the conference in 2001. The Scots return the majority of their starters from last season, including receiver Rex Desso, who led Division III in receptions per game with 100 catches in 10 games. The season was highlighted by a 23-13 victory over Hamline in the historic Paint Bucket game.
"Our entry back into the MIAC was successful in so many ways due to the work of KiJuan Ware and the current staff. I know the team is working hard and is excited to begin preparing for the 2022 season."