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Michael Vick is set to lead Norfolk State into a new era of football as the program’s head coach. Shortly after the inaugural home game of the College Football Playoff era commenced at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday night, Vick shared his ambitious vision for transforming the Spartans into a competitive force.
While Marcus Freeman made history as the first Black head coach to win a CFP game, Vick is laying the groundwork for his own legacy. He is in the process of assembling a coaching staff and reaching out to potential recruits. With his children in tow, he passionately discusses his plans to attract both players and their families to the vision he has for Norfolk State football.
“I recognize the challenges that Norfolk State faces,” Vick remarked. “There are many young athletes seeking a chance to showcase their skills and grow in the sport. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with these kids daily, rather than just during a brief football camp.”
“Instead of observing their progress over a couple of days, I will coach them consistently alongside a dedicated staff committed to helping them excel in their game,” he added.
Who will join him on this journey? Vick is still finalizing his coaching team. Which recruits will he target? The top talents available. What is his goal? To improve every day.
At 44 years old, Vick officially takes the helm as the 19th head football coach at Norfolk State, a historically Black college that has faced its share of struggles at the FCS level. The program has not posted a winning record since 2021, the year Justin Smith became the last Norfolk State player to sign a professional contract, joining the Houston Roughnecks in the USFL.
Back in 2011, the Spartans appeared poised for success after clinching the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship and earning a playoff spot, but their title was stripped in 2016 due to eligibility violations involving 48 student-athletes across multiple sports.
Vick’s coaching aspirations have been brewing since his internship with Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. He has kept in touch with Reid and sought advice from notable coaches like Mike Tomlin and Deion Sanders, who has successfully transformed programs at Jackson State and Colorado.
Sanders turned Jackson State into a powerhouse, leading them to two SWAC championships before revitalizing the Colorado program, which saw a remarkable turnaround in wins.
Vick, who has served as an analyst for “FOX NFL Kickoff” since 2017, faced a significant decision during the latest coaching cycle, choosing between Norfolk State and Sacramento State, a program that has seen recent playoff success and boasts a substantial NIL initiative.
“Sacramento State had an appealing situation with ample NIL funding and opportunities,” Vick acknowledged. “However, I wanted my choice to reflect my desire to genuinely help young athletes. Returning to my roots and impacting my community felt like the right decision.”
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When Vick made the call, his number displayed a 757 area code, a nod to his origins at Warwick High School in Newport News, Virginia, part of the Tidewater region. This area is known for producing exceptional athletic talent, including Vick, Lawrence Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, and Allen Iverson, among others.
Mack Brown, now head coach at North Carolina, has prioritized recruiting from the Tidewater area, developing standout players like Dre Bly, who later became a coach and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
“We treat Tidewater as if it’s in-state,” Brown explained in 2021. The legacy of this region has proven advantageous for coaches looking to attract talent, further exemplified by the success stories of Vince Young and Drake Maye.
“In today’s landscape, you need to be the place where athletes want to be,” Brown noted. “If players enjoy their experience and share it with others, that authenticity will draw more talent to your program.”
Vick was so electrifying on the field that his name became synonymous with greatness. By the time he appeared on the cover of “Madden 2004,” he had already redefined the game. Playing as Vick was like having an unfair advantage.
When he exited the NFL, he had made history as the first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. A four-time Pro Bowler, Vick was also named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 after overcoming significant personal challenges. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and is a strong candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Vick aims to inspire student-athletes at Norfolk State, providing them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed on and off the field.
“The wins and losses will take care of themselves,” Vick stated. “What matters most is building relationships. It’s about being approachable, so the kids feel comfortable coming to me with their questions and concerns. It’s about fostering a genuine connection.”
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