Former Virginia Tech star and NFL quarterback Michael Vick interviewed for the head coaching position at FCS Norfolk State, he told The Virginian-Pilot. Despite not having any prior coaching experience, Vick said university officials reached out to him about the opportunity. A resolution is expected soon, according to the report.
«I know how to lead and I know what it takes,» Vick told The Virginian-Pilot. He added he would assemble an experienced staff to help him transition in the role at Norfolk State.
Vick served as an advisor for the Atlanta Legends in the Alliance of American Football in 2019 before the league folded after just one season. A native of Newport News, Virginia Tech, roughly 25 miles north of Norfolk, Vick was a standout quarterback at Virginia Tech (1998-2000) before starting his 13-year NFL career. The Atlanta Falcons selected Vick with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Vick was named to the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. He is often considered the greatest athlete in school history, bringing national recognition to the football program as a quarterback during the 1999 season, leading the Hokies to an unbeaten 11-0 regular-season record and a berth in the national championship game as a redshirt freshman. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting that year.
During his two years as the starting quarterback, Vick threw for 3,279 yards and 21 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, adding another 1,216 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns on the ground. At the time Vick was named to the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame in 2017, he held school records for the highest yards-per-completion average in a season (20.4 in 1999) and the highest yards-per-attempt average in a season (12.0 in 1999). He also holds the career record for highest yards-per-attempt average (9.79 from 1999-2000).
Vick opted to forgo his final two years of eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft. His No. 7 jersey was retired by Virginia Tech in 2002.
Vick played for four different franchises in the NFL: Atlanta Falcons (2001-08), Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2013), New York Jets (2014) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2015). He threw for 22,464 yards, with 133 touchdowns and 88 interceptions over the course of his career. Vick also set two NFL records: most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback (1,039) and most rushing yards by a quarterback in a career (6,109).
Vick paused his NFL career for two seasons in 2007 and 2008 after he pleaded guilty for involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring. He spent 21 months in federal prison. Vick earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year and was named to his fourth Pro Bowl in 2010.
Norfolk State fired former head coach Dawson Odums Nov. 26 after four seasons. He had a 15-31 record, finishing with a losing mark in each of the past three.