Norfolk State University (NSU) recently announced that NFL legend Michael Vick would become the next head coach for the university’s football team after the recent release of former coach, Dawson Odums in late November, ending a losing season. Last Monday the news was first released by the Virginian Pilot causing celebration as the news spread. Yet, it became official university news this past Friday, after a unanimous vote from NSU’s Board of Visitors (BOV). NSU’s Department of Athletics held a press conference this morning on NSU’s campus to formally introduce Vick to the campus and community.
Michael Vick with Bishop Kim Brown, President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gatson, and NSU’s Athletic Director, Melody Webb. Credit: NSU Athletics
In a speech this morning, the Rector of NSU’s BOV, Bishop Kim Brown, called the decision “A representation of what HBCUs [are] and exactly what NSU is about.” Also calling this a “window of opportunity” for players and the university.
Dr. Javaune Adams-Gatson, President at NSU called it, “a day of glory,” adding that, “This transformation means that now is our time.”
Vick is a native of Newport News, VA, shying not far from Norfolk, VA, and has ties with the local community. In his lecture, Vick mentioned that in his childhood he was a part of the Boys and Girls Club which gave him exposure to NSU through coming to watch football games, calling it “a full cuticle moment” when asked about the feeling of coaching at the HBCU.
Vick in Spartan gear. Credit: NSU Athletics
With Vick becoming the head coach, he will be leaving behind his current role at FOX SPORTS as an analyst for FOX NFL KICKOFF, FOX’s one-hour NFL pregame show airing on Sundays during the NFL season.
Clip with FOX SPORTS. Credit: Instagram
Describing this decision Vick said, “I’m so glad I made this decision, it wasn’t the easiest to make, but I love the game of football and teaching it.”
Many players are looking forward to the news of the new head coach. NSU offensive lineman, and junior, Julian Soriano, mentioned, “I’m very excited to see what he’s gonna bring to the team and excited to see the change he will bring as well. It’s very exciting knowing that I have an NFL legend as a coach and can’t wait to get to work!”
Vick has made it known that he is passionate about the players, mentioning that he recently had the opportunity to meet and talk with the team. Vick also interacted with several players from NSU and other football players in the MEAC at the “Girls on the Gridiron” event hosted at NSU this past July. Showcasing his love for the game, community, and the players.
Vick with NSU football players. Credit: NSU Athletics
Aside from football, Vick also is pushing to ensure that each of his players will not only excel on the field but also in the classroom. Talking about his personal experience at Virginia Tech and his academic standing while playing football he mentioned, “It’s not about playing the best football, it’s about being the best student-athlete that you can be.”
While Vick has never held an official coaching position, there is hope that he will revive the football program at NSU which has struggled in recent years. This past season the team ended with a 4-8 record overall with the previous year making 3-8.
Official statement made by Vick on social media. Credit: Michael Vick
Many have compared Vick to Deion Sanders, also known as “Coach Prime” who began coaching the football team at Jackson State (JSU) in 2021 breaking barriers and bringing viewers from across the nation to watch. He is also credited with leading the football team to a winning record in 2022 for the first time since 2007. With the former NFL player as the coach, many expect Vick to create a similar change. In the conference, Vick mentioned that he has been in contact with Sanders for advice and encouragement while navigating this transition. He also emphasized that even though he plans to upgrade NSU’s football program, he and Sanders are two different people who love the game.
Stating, Deion is Deion and I’m Michael Vick!”
Vick also deciding to pick an HBCU over a PWI has placed more attention on HBCUs and their programs which are often overlooked even by prospective athletes because of the funding, and exposure the larger PWI programs offer for collegiate athletes. Vick was also approached by Sacramento State, another Division I school located in California. Yet for Vick, giving back to the community was the deciding factor saying,
“Creating a new culture in my backyard was really the deciding factor!” Adding that, “I’d rather do it [coaching] in front of the people I love and care about than any other space in the world.”
Vick addressing the NSU community. Credit. NSU Athletics.
There is hope that Coach Vick will revive the program at NSU and create a winning culture for the university. Promising to make the NSU campus and community proud, Vick sees his future at NSU as a positive one. As the holidays come closer, the NSU community plans to continue to celebrate and look forward to a different season next fall.
Vick with his wife Kijafa Vick. Credit: NSU Athletics
