Weeks after firing Dawson Odums as head football coach, Virginia HBCU Norfolk State is interested in turning to a local – and national – legend to turn the program around.
According to a report by David Teel and Michael Sauls of the Virginia Pilot, Norfolk State is in talks with longtime NFL quarterback and Newport News native Michael Vick to become the program’s new head coach.
NEWS: Former NFL Pro Bowler Michael Vick is in talks to be Norfolk State’s next head football coach.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Story from @ByDavidTeel and I for @virginianpilot:https://t.co/iSDrPrx4vp
— Michael Sauls (@mcsauls) December 16, 2024
Vick said he has spoken with NSU president Javaune Adams-Gaston and athletic director Melody Webb about the vacancy that came open when Odums, 15-31 in four seasons at the helm, was let go last month.
Vick told the Virginian Pilot that the university contacted him, and he sees this as an opportunity to give back to the Hampton Roads area.
In spite of having no previous coaching experience, Vick said, “I know how to lead, and I know what it takes.”
Vick, 44, was the Atlanta Falcons’ first overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft. He played parts of 15 seasons with the Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Vick made four Pro Bowls and won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 when he led the Eagles to the NFC East title.
Norfolk State is looking for a spark for its football program, which has not officially won a conference championship since its CIAA days.
The Spartans won the 2011 MEAC title but were forced to forfeit it after an investigation revealed that they used ineligible players.