UC Davis Head Coach Dan Hawkins Steps Down After Seven Seasons

UC Davis head coach Dan Hawkins is stepping down after seven seasons with the Aggies. The news was first reported by Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee. 

"I was honored to carry Aggie football forward and now will hand off to another," Hawkins said. "This is not a retirement or stepping aside from being involved with Aggie Athletics. Rocko is allowing me to stay on board as a special assistant. I've got plenty of juice and life left in me to help the Aggies and embrace any other adventures that lie ahead. I will continue to pursue my life's passion of making a positive difference in the lives of others. The journey continues!" 

Hawkins is 44-31 (31-22 Big Sky) over his seven seasons, including four consecutive winning seasons. He led the Aggies to a 10-3 record and the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs in 2018. The Aggies also won the first conference title since 2009. He finishes his career as the third-winningest coach in school history.

UC Davis made the first two appearances in the FCS Playoffs in school history under Hawkins. The Aggies defeated Northern Iowa in the second round of the FCS Playoffs for the first postseason win at the FCS level in program history.

Reports have surfaced that the Aggies will target former offensive coordinator Tim Plough to be the next head football coach. Plough is currently the tight ends coach at California. 

Plough served as the offensive coordinator at UC Davis under Hawkins from 2017-20. He led the Aggies to a Top-10 passing offense in three consecutive seasons. Wide receiver Keelan Doss and quarterback Jake Maier were named the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons under Plough.