Michael Vick has officially taken on the role of head coach at Norfolk State University, marking a significant comeback in football for the renowned former NFL quarterback, despite having no prior coaching experience at any level. Vick, who is now 44 years old, shared the news via a post on his Facebook account on Tuesday evening, expressing enthusiasm for returning to his roots in the area where he grew up—Newport News, Virginia.
In his announcement, Vick conveyed his excitement about returning to his hometown, stating, “Looking forward to coming back home.” His football journey began as a standout player at Virginia Tech, leading to a successful professional career as a four-time Pro Bowler over 13 seasons with teams including the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Vick is credited with paving the way for a new generation of quarterbacks, exhibiting a unique ability to both run and throw effectively.
However, Vick’s career also faced significant challenges. In the prime of his professional life, he served 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to involvement in a dogfighting operation. His release came in 2009, after which he made a notable return to the NFL, earning the AP Comeback Player of the Year award with the Eagles in 2010, although he was still not at the peak of his performance. Vick officially retired from professional football in 2017 and has since become an advocate against animal cruelty while also taking on a role as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports.
The news of Vick’s hiring at Norfolk State was initially reported by a local newspaper, the Virginian-Pilot. This transition for the Spartans follows the dismissal of head coach Dawson Odums in November after the team finished the season with a record of 4-8. Norfolk State, an historically Black institution, is a competitor in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and has made only one appearance in the FCS playoffs, which ended in a first-round defeat to Old Dominion back in 2011.
Before committing to Norfolk State, Vick also engaged in discussions with Sacramento State regarding their vacant head coaching position, suggesting his aspirations to lead a football program. As he embarks on this new chapter, there will be keen interest in Vick’s coaching style and the impact he will have on the team, especially coming from a celebrated athlete with a complex history.