Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick is the next head football coach at Norfolk State.
Vick, 44, doesn’t have any coaching experience but takes over the Spartans near his hometown of Newport News, Va.
“I am honored to join the Norfolk State family and welcome your support as we embark on this journey together. BEHOLD THE GREEN AND GOLD,” Vick said in a statement announcing his new post.
The Virginian-Pilot first reported the news Tuesday.
Front Office Sports confirmed reports Monday that Vick was talking to Sacramento State in addition to his interest in the Virginia HBCU. Norfolk State went 4–8 this season, and Sacramento State went 3–9. Both are FCS schools. The latter publicly courted the Mountain West and Pac-12 during this fall’s recent slate of conference realignment, announcing a $35 million flood of NIL donations, plans for a new 25,000-seat football stadium, and a partnership for both basketball teams to play in the Kings’ Golden 1 Center should they successfully move to FBS.
The university confirmed the news Friday, saying the decision received unanimous approval by the Board of Visitors. He’ll have a formal press conference Monday morning.
“Coach Vick is one of the most electric athletes to ever come out of Virginia,” Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb said in a statement. “From humble beginnings to massive stardom, we hope that his story will translate to student-athletes here at Norfolk State. I am confident that our football program will establish sustainable recruiting pipelines in the state of Virginia and across the country with this hire.”
Vick has already begun contacting people for assistant coaching and support staff roles, the Pilot reported. In 2018, he was slated to serve as offensive coordinator for the Alliance of American Football’s Atlanta Legends, but the arrangement was called off two days before the 2019 season started due to his other commitments, including Fox.
Vick played college football at Virginia Tech, was the Big East Offensive Player of the Year as a Freshman, and was the No. 1 overall pick in 2001. His NFL career extended through 2015, and during that time he served a 21-month prison sentence for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. He made $115.9 million during his time in the NFL, which also included year-long stints with the Jets and Steelers.
Vick was a four-time Pro Bowler and still holds the league’s all-time record in career rushing yards per attempt (7.0). He has been an NFL analyst for Fox Sports since 2017.
