Former NFL star Michael Vick accepts head coaching job at Norfolk State

Michael Vick has agreed to become head coach at Norfolk State in a return to football for the former NFL star, who has never coached at any level.

Vick, 44, announced on his Facebook page on Tuesday evening that he had accepted the job. Norfolk State did not immediately confirm the hiring of Vick, who grew up in nearby Newport News.

“I’m looking forward to getting home,” Vick said in his social media post.

Vick played in college at Virginia Tech and was a four-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons for Atlanta, Philadelphia, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh. He helped launch an era of quarterbacks who were threats both running and throwing the ball.

In the prime of his career, Vick served 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty for his role in a dogfighting ring. After his release in 2009, he returned to the NFL and won AP Comeback Player of the Year with the Eagles in 2010, but his best years were behind him.

He retired in 2017 and advocated against animal cruelty while also working as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports.

Vick’s hiring by Norfolk State was first reported by the Virginian Pilot on Tuesday.

Norfolk State fired coach Dawson Odums in November after a 4-8 season. The historically black school plays in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Spartans have made one appearance in the FCS playoffs, losing in the first round to their in-state rival Old Dominion in 2011.

Before accepting the job at Norfolk State, Vick also spoke with Sacramento State about his open head coaching position.