The Michael Vick Experience is coming to Norfolk State. Vick is officially the Spartans’ next head coach, and at his introductory press conference, he shared who we can thank for the career switch: Deion Sanders.
Michael Vick Begins New Career as Norfolk State’s Head Coach
The Newport News native donned a Spartans letterman jacket and cap as he was introduced in front of a crowd that included Hampton Roads legends Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith.
The moment marked a new chapter for Vick, one of football’s most electrifying talents, as he begins his first head coaching role.
While he has never coached at a professional or collegiate level — his most recent coaching experience was as an advisor for the now-defunct Alliance of American Football’s Atlanta Legends — has an impressive network of mentors, including Andy Reid, Mike Tomlin, and Jim Mora, who have all reached out since his hiring.
Speaking to The Virginian-Pilot, Vick emphasized, “I know how to lead, and I know what it takes.” He also shared plans to hire a “seasoned staff” to help him transition into the role.
At the conference, Vick shared he wasn’t actively looking for a coaching position, but he received a surprise call from Aaron Rouse, a Virginia state senator and former Virginia Tech football player, and Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb, gauging his interest.
The Spartans needed a spark as significant as Vick following the November firing of Dawson Odoms, who went 15-30 in four years. The program has struggled for decades, making only one playoff appearance since 1997 and producing just one winning season in the last 10 years.
The decision wasn’t easy for Vick, who considered family and lifestyle changes before accepting the job. However, a conversation with Sanders, a mentor and one of the first people Vick reached out to, played a pivotal role.
“We talked about it last year, and Deion said, ‘I don’t know what you’re waiting for — you might as well get into it,’” Vick said at the conference.
Sanders, who transformed Jackson State into a powerhouse before moving to Colorado, praised Vick on X following the official announcement.
Let’s go baby! We’ve got to support, encourage, assist & show consistent Love to Coach Vick! He’s forever changed to QB position in @cfb @NFL & he will have tremendous impact on Coaching & Leading men to their true destinations. Love ya my brother. @MichaelVick pic.twitter.com/xZYN8ROftl
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) December 23, 2024
Vick previously met Sanders in Boulder toward the beginning of the latter’s first season with the Buffaloes, as captured in a video by Well Off Media.
Despite the comparisons, Vick is clear about his own path:
“Deion is Deion, but I’m Michael Vick.”
Vick’s decision to take the Norfolk State job wasn’t without competition. He turned down an offer from Sacramento State, opting instead to return to his roots in Virginia.
“Sacramento State had a great situation. They had tons of NIL money and tons of opportunity,” Vick said. “But I didn’t want to make my decision based on money. I wanted to make it based on what I could do and who I could sincerely help. And I think I can help on both sides. But I felt like it was great to go back home and do it in my backyard. And that was probably the deciding factor, having the chance to do it back where I grew up.”
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As Norfolk State’s head coach, Vick joins a growing list of former professional athletes taking on HBCU coaching roles, including Eddie George (Tennessee State), Tyrone Wheatley (Morgan State), and Ed Reed (for 25 days at Bethune-Cookman).
Vick’s journey mirrors Sanders’ in many ways. Both are among the most iconic players in football history, and they are now channeling their passion into shaping the next generation of athletes. While there may not be a “next Coach Prime,” there is a new “Coach Vick.”
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