Nicky Hayen is Club Brugge's current assistant coach. Together with Steve Colpaert, the duo is Rik De Mil's support.

Hayen played nine years in his career as a central defender at Sint-Truiden. He also continued his playing career at OH Leuven, Antwerp and Dender.

As a trainer, Nicky Hayen has quite a record. He has coached several Belgian professional clubs, teams in Saudi Arabia and Wales.

In June 2022, Hayen became the new coach of Club NXT U23. He replaced Rik De Mil, who became assistant coach of the first team. In March 2023, Hayen joined the first-team staff as assistant coach. At the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, Nicky again became coach of Club NXT U23.