Michael Vick Named Head Football Coach at Norfolk State University

The former NFL quarterback embarks on a new chapter, leading the HBCU program after a storied career and personal redemption journey.

Michael Vick, 44, has been officially hired as the head football coach for Norfolk State University, replacing Dawson Odums after a 4-8 season.
Vick, a Virginia native and former NFL star, brings no prior college coaching experience but is expected to attract talent and media attention to the HBCU program.
The school’s athletic director, Melody Webb, expressed confidence in Vick’s ability to revitalize the program and establish strong recruiting pipelines in Virginia and beyond.
Vick’s hiring follows a trend of HBCUs turning to former NFL players, such as Deion Sanders at Jackson State and Eddie George at Tennessee State, to lead their football programs.
While some critics remain due to Vick’s past involvement in a dogfighting ring, his post-NFL advocacy against animal cruelty and personal redemption story have garnered significant support.