Phil Nicolaides

Head Football Coach

Phil Nicolaides became the head football coach at Macalester in March of 2022. Nicolaides joined the Scots after spending six years as the defensive coordinator at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va.

“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,” Macalester Director of Athletics Donnie 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 led a Yellow Jackets defense that ranked either first or second in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) 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 College in Lancaster, Pa., 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, Colo., while also working at 360 Sports as an NFL recruiting and scouting intern.

A native of Exton, Pa., Nicolaides attended Carnegie Mellon University, where he played linebacker and safety for the Tartans From 2009-12. He graduated in 2013 with degrees in business finance and psychology.