SOURCE SPORTS: Mike Vick Takes Norfolk State University Football Head Coach Position

Michael Vick, a legendary figure in Virginia sports history, is stepping into a new chapter of his career as the head football coach at Norfolk State University (NSU), a prestigious HBCU located in Norfolk, Virginia. Despite holding a comfortable role as an analyst with Fox Sports, the former NFL quarterback has decided to embrace the challenges of collegiate coaching.

According to The Virginian-Pilot, Vick and NSU finalized contract terms on Tuesday, with an official announcement expected within a week. The decision follows NSU’s dismissal of former head coach Dawson Odums on November 26 after a four-year stint that saw the team post a 15-30 record, including three consecutive losing seasons.

A Newport News native and former star at Virginia Tech, the 44-year-old Vick brings immense star power to the NSU program, although he has no formal coaching experience. His lone foray into the coaching world was as a training camp intern with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Vick’s storied NFL career—which includes 13 seasons, 22,464 passing yards, 133 touchdowns, four Pro Bowl selections, and a Comeback Player of the Year award—offers a wealth of knowledge and credibility that few can match.

Sources indicate that Vick has already begun assembling his coaching staff, which will be critical to his success in transitioning from player to coach. Some of his potential hires are expected to resonate with fans, adding familiar faces to the Spartans’ program.

The move also comes on the heels of recent speculation surrounding Vick’s coaching aspirations. Earlier this year, ESPN reported that Vick was in talks to become the head coach at Sacramento State, backed by rumors of a massive $50 million NIL fund—a claim that was later debunked. While Sacramento State’s president confirmed that Vick had expressed interest and interviewed for the position, there was no evidence of serious negotiations.

Norfolk State’s decision to hire Vick marks a bold new direction for the program. With his deep Virginia roots and unmatched experience as a player, Vick’s arrival is expected to energize the NSU community and attract top talent to the Spartans’ football team. While the transition to coaching may present challenges, Vick’s leadership and football acumen could usher in a transformative era for NSU football.