College Football Fans React To Michael Vick Becoming Head Coach
12/17/2024 06:46 PM
Another former NFL icon is going to college.
Michael Vick landed a job shortly after his name surfaced in conversations. According to The Virginian-Pilot's David Teel, Norfolk State hired the former Pro Bowl quarterback as its new football head coach. Vick will replace Dawson Odums, who was fired after going 15-30 in four seasons.
After also interviewing with Sacramento State, Vick will begin his first head coaching job close to his hometown. Fans responded to the big news on social media.
"Wow. I didn't think it would actually happen," James Witham wrote.
"My favorite football player of all time is a head coach," Grayson Wimbish said. "I'm getting old. Couldn't be happier for #7."
"I hope this goes well for him," Kaleb Blanton said.
"Heard Norfolk has $51M in NIL which got it over the finish line against Sac St," a fan said jokingly in response to drama surrounding Sacramento State's reported NIL funds.
"Get me a direct link to all the Norfolk State games for the 2025 season," Nick Bissonette said. "I'll be tuned in."
Vick finished third in the 1999 Heisman Trophy voting and sixth in 2000 before leaving Virginia Tech as the No. 1 overall pick. He revolutionized NFL quarterbacking as a dual-threat star who set the position's single-season rushing record since broken by Lamar Jackson.
Vick's career halted when he served 21 months in federal prison for his role in an illegal dog-fighting operation. He returned to post a career-high 100.2 quarterback rating for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 and was named the Comeback Player of the Year.
After retiring, Vick interned with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2017 training camp and worked as an analyst for the now-defunct Alliance of American Football's Atlanta Legends. He'll step down as a Fox Sports analyst to lead Norfolk State.
The 44-year-old takes over an FCS program that lost eight games for the second consecutive season. Norfolk State, one of six Mid-Eastern Conference members, hasn't won a conference title since 2011.
Before landing the job, Vick told The Virginian-Pilot that he'd make up for his lack of experience by hiring veteran staffers.
"I know how to lead and I know what it takes," Vick said.
Vick's arrival will make the Spartans an interesting team to monitor in 2025.
Related: Michael Vick Is Officially A College Football Head Coach
