The Sacramento State Hornets are making waves in the college football world. The university is reportedly nearing a deal to bring Michael Vick on board as its next head coach — a bold statement for a program transitioning to the FBS.
With a reported $50 million in NIL backing and plans for a state-of-the-art stadium, the Hornets believe they’re ready to compete on the national stage — but is Vick the right hire to help them do so?
Michael Vick Favorite To Land Sacramento State’s Head Coaching Job
Vick’s name is synonymous with electrifying football. After revolutionizing the QB position in the NFL, the former No. 1 draft pick is poised to make a similar splash in the college coaching ranks. While initial reports linked him to Norfolk State, Sacramento State’s ambitious pitch seemed to have sealed the deal.
At least enough for ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who posted that Vick was nearing an agreement with the Hornets, a deal that would mark his first head coaching role. His on-field expertise and celebrity status bring instant credibility to a program looking to make an FBS-sized impact.
The program wouldn’t just be banking on Vick’s reputation, either — they’ve secured a staggering $50 million in NIL resources, giving them a competitive edge in attracting top talent.
However, skepticism surrounds that number, especially when compared to the Ohio State Buckeyes’ $20 million in NIL compensation for players this past year — a sum athletic director Ross Bjork told Yahoo Sports he believes is the highest in the sport.
Regardless, the university also unveiled plans for a $150 million stadium, slated to open in 2026. This facility promises to be a showpiece, combining modern amenities with seating designed to rival top-tier Group of Five programs.
The leap to FBS football is a significant milestone for any program, but Sacramento State’s approach has been nothing short of transformative. In recent years, the Hornets have dominated the Big Sky Conference, winning three titles since 2018 (2019, 2021, and 2022).
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Moving to FBS solidifies their place in the national spotlight and sets the stage for potential rivalries with nearby schools like the Fresno State Bulldogs and San Jose State Spartans.
While some questioned Vick’s initial candidacy for coaching roles, Sacramento State’s gamble aligns perfectly with his brand. Vick’s career represents reinvention, resilience, and explosive potential — qualities the Hornets aim to embody as they step onto the FBS stage.
Prior to the Sacramento State news, Vick was linked to the Norfolk State Spartans job, as he recently interviewed for the position.
While Vick has never coached at the NFL or college level — he was an advisor for the now-defunct Alliance of American Football’s (AAF) Atlanta Legends — he told The Virginian-Pilot that he knows “how to lead, and I know what it takes.
The 44-year-old also mentioned he would hire a “seasoned staff” that would help him transition to a head coach role.
For Vick, this is an opportunity to cement his legacy not just as a player but as a builder of programs. For Sacramento State, it’s a chance to make its mark in the ever-changing landscape of college football.
However, the program’s president, Luke Wood, slowed the hype in a message to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
“[Vick] has expressed interest in the position, and yes, I did meet with him about his interest in Sac State football and our athletic rise. As you can imagine, given the success of our athletic programs that our football head coach job is an attractive role.”
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