NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State formally named Michael Vick its head soccer coach Friday, the newest rent of a gifted NFL participant with no faculty teaching expertise to steer an HBCU program.
Vick’s addition was unanimously authorised by the college’s board of tourists, Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb mentioned in a launch from the college.
“I’m blessed and humbled by this chance to steer, mentor and remodel the soccer program at Norfolk State College,” Vick mentioned in a press release.
Vick, 44, introduced on his Fb web page Tuesday evening that he had accepted the job.
Vick, who starred at Virginia Tech and was chosen No. 1 general by Atlanta within the 2001 NFL draft, turns into the newest professional standout to steer an HBCU college with none faculty teaching expertise.
NFL Corridor of Famer Deion Sanders had coached youth and prep soccer when he led Jackson State from 2020 to 2022. The group made two Celebration Bowls, a postseason recreation contested by the champions of two HBCU leagues, the Mid-Japanese Athletic Convention (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Convention.
Sanders has coached Colorado the previous two seasons.
Eddie George, a Heisman Trophy-winning operating again who rushed for 10,441 yards in 9 NFL seasons, was employed at Tennessee State in 2021 and led the group to the FCS playoffs this season, ending 9-4.
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Norfolk State is satisfied Vick could make related strides with its program.
Webb, the college’s AD, mentioned Vick was among the many biggest athletes to come back out of the area and that his rent will entice gifted gamers to the college.
“I’m assured that our soccer program will set up sustainable recruiting pipelines within the state of Virginia and throughout the nation with this rent,” she mentioned.
The college’s launch did not point out Vick’s high-profile troubles with a dogfighting ring within the prime of his profession with the Falcons.
Vick served 18 months in federal jail after pleading responsible to his function. After his launch in 2009, he returned to the NFL and gained AP Comeback Participant of the 12 months with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, however his greatest years had been behind him.
He retired in 2017 and has advocated towards animal cruelty whereas additionally working as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports activities.
Vick will likely be formally launched on campus Monday.
“A prestigious HBCU with a wealthy athletics historical past, NSU gives an incredible setting for college students to succeed in their full potential on the sphere and simply as importantly, within the classroom,” Vick mentioned. “I’m honored to affix the Norfolk State household.”
Norfolk State fired coach Dawson Odums in November after a 4-8 season. The Spartans have made one look within the FCS playoffs, shedding within the first spherical to in-state rival Outdated Dominion in 2011.
Earlier than accepting the Norfolk State job, Vick additionally spoke to Sacramento State about its open head teaching place.
