Head Coach

Michael Vick

NSU Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb announced on Dec. 20, 2024 that Michael Vick, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, has been named Norfolk State University's 19th head football coach.

"Today marks a historic day for Norfolk State University," Webb said. "I am thrilled to welcome Michael Vick and his family back to the Hampton Roads area to lead our football program. One of the greatest athletes the region has ever seen, Coach Vick's leadership, knowledge, and dedication will pour into the fundamental layers of the foundation we hope to build for Norfolk State football."

With his strong ties to the region and state, Webb sees a bright future for recruiting during Vick's tenure. She hopes that Vick's prominence in the sport will enhance and develop the program's brand in the constantly evolving world of collegiate athletics.

"Coach Vick is one of the most electric athletes to ever come out of Virginia," Webb said. "From humble beginnings to massive stardom, we hope that his story will translate to student-athletes here at Norfolk State. I am confident that our football program will establish sustainable recruiting pipelines in the state of Virginia and across the country with this hire."

One of the most exciting players in league history, Vick spent 13 seasons in the NFL. The Newport News, Va. native played six years for the Atlanta Falcons and five years for the Philadelphia Eagles before final stints with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.

"Coach Vick joining the Norfolk State family is another example of this truly being our time," Norfolk State president Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston said. "We are excited that he is bringing his experience and talents to help develop the next generation of student-athletes right here in Hampton Roads. This is an exciting time for the University and this community, and we look forward to a bright future."

"I am blessed and humbled by this opportunity to lead, mentor, and transform the football program at Norfolk State University," Vick said. "A prestigious HBCU with a rich athletics history, NSU provides a tremendous environment for students to reach their full potential on the field and just as importantly, in the classroom. I am honored to join the Norfolk State family and welcome your support as we embark on this journey together. BEHOLD THE GREEN AND GOLD."

Vick baffled NFL defenses throughout his playing career, possessing generational accuracy, power, agility, and speed. He threw for 22,464 yards and 133 touchdowns across 14 seasons, holding an 80.4 passer rating over the span of 143 games.

Finishing second in MVP voting during the 2004 season, Vick led the Falcons to an 11-5 record and conference championship appearance, racking up 14 touchdowns through the air and three more on the ground.

Vick was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 while playing for the Eagles, passing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns with just six interceptions to lead Philadelphia to the playoffs.

After an exceptional collegiate career at Virginia Tech, Vick became just the second Hokie ever to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft as Atlanta’s top choice in 2001.

Virginia Tech held an overall record of 22-2 during Vick's two years as the team’s quarterback, earning a Big East title and national championship appearance during his redshirt freshman season.

Vick finished third in Heisman voting during that freshman campaign – the top finish ever by a VT player – leading the Hokies to an 11-0 record in the regular season. He passed for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning All-America honors from The Sporting News and Football News.

Vick still holds Virginia Tech’s school records for highest yards-per-completion average for a season (20.4 in 1999) and highest yard-per-attempt average for a season (12.0 in 1999) and career (9.79 in 1999-2000). The school’s athletic department retired his No. 7 jersey during the 2002 season, one of nine former Virginia Tech football players to earn the honor.

Although he will make his collegiate coaching debut with the Spartans, Vick has gathered years of experience as an educator, instructor, and coach at multiple levels.

Starting the V7 Football Experience in 2011, Vick has helped mold the careers of aspiring young athletes across the country for over 13 years. Designing and implementing comprehensive training programs for athletes, the camps focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Throughout the V7 Experience, Vick has led daily drills, scrimmages, and workshops to enhance athletes’ understanding of offensive and defensive strategies. The program has provided mentorship to help build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills on and off the field.

Vick returned to Atlanta in 2017 as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Legends, a professional football team competing in the Alliance of American Football league.

Vick joined Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s staff as a coaching intern, working with quarterbacks. He mentored and developed Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during his rookie season, now a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl MVP.

Celebrated as one of the greatest student-athletes in the school’s history, Vick has contributed to Virginia Tech’s quarterback camps as a coordinator, providing one-on-one coaching to quarterbacks to analyze performance and offer personalized feedback.

While attending Warwick High School in Newport News, Vick compiled 4,846 yards and 43 touchdowns through the air. He added 1,048 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground.