Layton Hickel is in his fifth season coaching the defensive line at Fort Hays State in 2026 and it is his sixth season overall as an assistant for the Tigers after serving in the role right after completing his playing career back in 2013. He also serves as a co-defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator.
After his initial stint as an assistant at FHSU in 2013, Hickel served as an assistant coach at the Hays High School for eight years. He came back to Fort Hays State as an assistant coach in 2022.
Hickel has coached 11 All-MIAA selections on the defensive line since returning to FHSU. Myles Menges earned the distinction three times under Hickel (2022, 2023, 2024) as a defensive lineman, while Parrish Terry (2023, 2025) and Gaven Haselhorst (2024, 2025) have earned the honor twice. Jason Wallace (2023), Demitri Scott (2024), Jakolbi Wilson (2025), and Jalen Williams (2025) all earned the honor once. All starters on the 2025 defensive line earned all-conference honors. Menges was a four-time All-MIAA selection overall after earning honors as a linebacker in 2021.
Hickel helped coach Myles Menges to All-America honors in 2024, ultimately receiving a first-team selection as a defensive lineman by the AFCA. He was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and was also a finalist for the annual Cliff Harris Award, given to the top small college defensive player in the country. In 2025, he guided Gaven Haselhorst to All-America selections by the Don Hansen Football Committee and D2Football.com.
Hickel was a member of the Fort Hays State University football team for five years as a linebacker. He started all 22 games over his final two years and appeared in 44 games during his career, making 30 starts. Hickel earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors as a senior, leading the team in tackles with 101. He finished his career ranked fourth in career tackles for the NCAA Division II era at Fort Hays State with 294.
Hickel played his prep career at Claflin High School, where he was an all-league and all-district selection at linebacker and all-league selection running back. He was a participant in the Kansas 8-Man All-Star Game.
A native of Claflin, Kan., Hickel graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2013 with a degree in General Studies. He and his wife Kayla have two children, daughter Lyndon and son Jax.
