Getty Image
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick has interviewed for the current head coaching opening at Norfolk State. The Virginia native confirmed his discussions with the school this week.
While Vick boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport, he’s never held a head coaching role. Still, he doesn’t believe that it will stop him from being successful should he ultimately be hired by the Spartans.
Vick played his high school football nearby in Newport News, about a half-hour outside of Norfolk. He then suited up for the Virginia Tech Hokies in college, leading the program to a national championship appearance.
Vick was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft before spending 13 seasons in the league. There is controversy surrounding his name after he was linked to an illegal dog fighting ring in 2006. That cost him two professional seasons and 21 months of his life which were spent in federal prison. He’s done much to rebuild his reputation since.
After leaving the NFL in 2015, the signal caller’s spent most of his time in an analyst role for FOX. This opportunity with Norfolk State would offer a welcomed change. More on the opening from the Virginian-Pilot:
Speaking from his Florida home, Vick told The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press that he has spoken with university president Javaune Adams-Gaston and Spartans athletic director Melody Webb and that he expects resolution “soon.”
Vick said Norfolk State officials reached out to him and that he is intrigued by the potential opportunity of giving back to the Hampton Roads community that has long supported him.
Vick lacks formal coaching experience but said, “I know how to lead and I know what it takes.”
Michael Vick boasts no head coaching experience. His closest thing to a coaching role was working as an intern for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Pilot writes that the former NFL QB nearly worked as an offensive coordinator in the Alliance of American Football before ultimately becoming an advisor.
Will Norfolk State hire Michael Vick?
He seems confident in his talks with administration. Vick’s name alone would be used as a recruiting tool in the state of Virginia. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone locally who’s as recognizable.
The obvious mark on his resume is the lack of coaching experience. While we’ve seen former NFL star Deion Sanders thrive in his role at Colorado, he did have experience at both the high school and FCS levels before being hired by the Buffs.
Others have tried to emulate that success by interviewing big-time candidates of their own. Former NFL linebacker Ray Lewis was linked to an opening at Florida Atlantic before the Owls hired Zach Kittley.
His Ravens teammate Ed Reed landed the gig at Bethune Cookman last year before the university chose not to ratify his contract a month later.
Playing success doesn’t always translate into coaching – just ask Trent Dilfer and UAB. Still, having seen the spotlight that Deion Sanders has placed on his programs at both Jackson State and Colorado, many believe the risk is worth the reward.
Michael Vick insists he’d make up for his lack of head coaching experience by hiring a top-notch staff. He’ll have his hands full with a rebuild should that come to fruition.
The Spartans have largely struggled since making the move to the D1 MEAC in 1997. The program fired previous coach Dawson Odums after a 4-8 campaign last year. Across four years, Odums’ teams combined to go just 15-31.
Vick believes he’s up to the task. He wants to put Norfolk State on the map. We should find out soon if his pitch is enough to convince the Spartans to give him a chance.