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Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick has reportedly accepted the head coaching position at Norfolk State, the Virginian-Pilot's David Teel and Michael Sauls reported on Tuesday (December 17).
Vick, 44, a Virginia native and former Virginia Tech standout, has never previously served as a head coach at any level, however, briefly worked as a coaching advisor for the Atlanta Legends in 2019, as well as a coaching intern for the Kansas City Chiefs during their 2017 training camp prior to joining FOX Sports as an NFL analyst, a position he currently holds, shortly after.
"The deal is done: Michael Vick is Norfolk State’s next head football coach. Would not be surprised if his staff has a #Hokies flavor," Teel wrote on his X account.
Vick will reportedly replace former Norfolk State head coach Dawson Odums, who went 79-72 (7-13 Mid-Easter Athletic Conference) in four seasons as the Spartans' head coach. The legendary quarterback's hiring comes after other smaller college programs have found success hiring legendary former players, despite limited prior head coaching experience, following a path taken by now-Colorado head coach, Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, when he was hired by Jackson State in 2020, as well as former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL legend Eddie George, who was hired by Tennessee State University in 2021.
Vick led Virginia Tech to a No. 3 final ranking during his redshirt freshman season at Virginia Tech and went on to be selected by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, revolutionizing the quarterback position with dual-threat athleticism not previously seen. The 44-year-old's career was derailed by a 21-month federal prison sentence in relation to his involvement in a dog fighting ring, which led to being released by the Falcons, however, he went on to have his greatest statistical season during his second with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.