Michael Vick has engaged in discussions with at least two universities regarding the head coaching positions available at their schools. On Monday, Dr. Luke Wood, the president of Sacramento State, revealed that he has conversed with Vick concerning the opening at his institution. Additionally, reports indicate that Norfolk State University has also interviewed the former NFL star as a candidate for their head coaching role.
Wood noted that Vick showed a keen interest in the position at Sacramento State, especially as the university plans to upgrade from the FCS level to the FBS, contingent upon receiving an invitation to join either the Pac-12 or Mountain West Conference. The president shared on social media platform X, “Vick and I did meet about Sac State football and our athletic rise. As you can imagine, given the success of our athletic programs, our football head coach job is an attractive role. Announcements on several major decisions coming soon.”
The Hornets’ former coach, Andy Thompson, recently departed after two seasons to take a position as an assistant coach at Stanford. Sacramento State concluded the recent season with a record of 3-9, placing them at the bottom of the 12-team Big Sky Conference.
Vick, 44, previously served an 18-month prison sentence for involvement in dogfighting during the height of his football career. He communicated with newspaper sources, mentioning that he had spoken to Norfolk State’s president, Javaune Adams-Gaston, and athletic director, Melody Webb, regarding the coaching position and anticipates a swift conclusion to the hiring process.
Norfolk State parted ways with head coach Dawson Odums in November following a 4-8 season. Although Vick lacks formal coaching experience, he distinctly made his mark as a dual-threat quarterback both in college and the NFL. He showcased his talent at Virginia Tech, where he led the team to the 1999 national championship game, ultimately falling to Florida State. In 2001, he made history as the first Black quarterback to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft, chosen by the Atlanta Falcons.
Vick emphasized his leadership capabilities by stating, “I know how to lead and I know what it takes,” mentioning that Norfolk State, a historically Black institution located near his hometown of Newport News, Virginia, had reached out to him concerning the job opening.
There was no immediate comment from Norfolk State regarding the situation.
During his illustrious career, Vick was selected for the Pro Bowl four times over 13 seasons, playing for teams such as Atlanta, Philadelphia, the New York Jets, and Pittsburgh. He is credited with ushering in a new era of quarterbacks who can effectively threaten defenses both by running and passing.
After serving a prison sentence, Vick was released in 2009, having pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a dogfighting operation. He made a comeback to the NFL, earning the AP Comeback Player of the Year award while playing for the Eagles in 2010, although his most dynamic years were behind him at that point. Vick officially retired in 2017 and has been an advocate against animal cruelty while also contributing as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports.