SILVER CITY, N.M. - Western New Mexico University's Executive Director of Athletics, Scott Noble, has selected Billy Hickman as the next head football coach for the Mustangs.
"We are very fortunate to have found our new head football coach already on our staff," said Executive Director of Athletics, Scot Noble. "Coach Hickman has been our offensive coordinator these last two years and provides continuity and consistency in our offensive scheme."
"I am honored to be named the Head Football Coach at Western New Mexico University, " said Hickman. "I want to Thank Dr. Shepard and Scott Noble for the opportunity. I am excited at the chance to reward their belief in me."
Hickman is a 15-year coaching veteran, including 13 years as an Offensive Coordinator. The last two seasons, Hickman was serving as the Offensive Coordinator and Lineman Coach.
"His leadership, at this critical time, will certainly solidify our 2023 recruiting class and provide stability within our current roster. Getting to know Coach over these last two years, along with his college experience as a coordinator, leaves me with no doubt that he is the right man for the job" said Noble.
Prior to the Mustangs, Hickman served as the offensive coordinator at DIII Luther College for three seasons from 2018-2020. In 2020, Coach Hickman had led Luther to lead the conference in rushing for the second time under his leadership.
Hickman started his coaching career at Colorado School of Mines in 2008-09. He soon established himself as a great offensive mind at Tabor College, serving as the Offensive Coordinator at Tabor College from 2010-17. In 2017, he was named NAIA American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year. Concluding the 2012 season, the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) recognized Hickman as Assistant Coach of the Year. During his tenure at Tabor, he led the football team to three consecutive KCAC championships (2015-17), established 39 team and individual records, and holds the KCAC single season rushing record of 4,058 yards set in 2013.
"I am extremely confident that Mustang Football is in the right hands and will continue to compete at the highest level in the Lone Star Conference," said Noble.
Hickman's collegiate athletic career began at Bakersfield College from 2002-03 where he was named All-Conference guard (2003). He was then recruited to play at Tabor College from 2005-07 earning All-Conference as a tackle (2007).
Coach Hickman is originally from Bakersfield, California where he attended Bakersfield College and later transferred on to Tabor College to complete his bachelors and masters degree. Coach Hickman is married to Ashley Hickman, WNMU's Head Softball Coach. They have four kids, Sophia, Makenna, Bo and Bear.
"So excited for Coach Hickman and his family to lead the Western New Mexico Football program. Coach Hickman was a large reason we were able to turn that program around in such a short time. I know he will continue to take it to new heights. HE is an excellent leader and football coach and I know Western New Mexico Football is in good hands." Philip Vigil, Head Football Coach, Colorado State - Pueblo
"Billy joined our staff early in his career and didn't take long for me to realize he would be successful in the coaching business. He has a great work ethic, high football IQ, and very strong rapport with players. WNMU got a great one." - Bob Stitt, Former Head Football, Colorado School of Mines and Montana University
"Bill Hickman has all the assets to be a great Head Football Coach at Western New Mexico. As a young coach he had an unbelievable work ethic, organization, took on many tasks, and adapted very quickly. His creative mind and composure really helped us in our offense. His creativity in building offenses from the personnel he was dealt with was superb and they succeeded year in and year out. I'm very excited for Coach Hickman to have this opportunity. He will continue to develop a winning culture and make Western New Mexico proud." - Mike Gardner, Head Football Coach, Tabor College
"Billy and I have been professional colleagues and close friends since 2008. I'm incredibly happy to see him earn this opportunity to be the head coach at Western New Mexico. His relatability, sense of humor, detailed approach, and conviction to grow and improve will serve him well in this role. Billy will treat everyone in the program with respect while maintaining a high standard that will continue to push the program forward." - Caleb Padilla, Co-Defensive Coordinator, Lenoir-Rhyne University
This announcement is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!
Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter, TikTok & Instagram).
