NORFOLK, VA — Michael Vick is not tempering his ambitions. Despite a grueling 1-11 inaugural season at Norfolk State, the former dual-threat superstar confirmed he eventually wants to lead an NFL franchise. Speaking on NewsNation’s NewsNation Live with Connell McShane, Vick made it clear that while he is currently focused on the Spartans, the professional sidelines remain his ultimate destination.
The transition from the field to the headset proved difficult for Vick in 2025. His Norfolk State squad struggled to find its rhythm, securing its only win against Division II rival Virginia State University. Yet, the legendary quarterback remains undeterred. He views his current struggles as a necessary part of the “learning curve” required to master the complexities of modern coaching.
Vick’s first year was anything but quiet. Cameras followed his every move for the BET docuseries The Coach Vick Experience, which wrapped its eight-episode run last Wednesday. The show offered a raw look at a first-year coach grappling with a roster in transition and the heavy weight of expectations. While the 1-11 record suggests a steep uphill climb, Vick told McShane that he is “getting it” when it comes to the structural needs of a winning team.
The conversation inevitably turned to the Rooney Rule and the hiring of Black head coaches in the league. Vick emphasized that success comes down to talent and fit rather than optics. He insisted that the most credible people must be placed in positions of power, regardless of color. His strategy involves building a foundation at the college level that is so undeniable it forces the NFL to take notice.
“Absolutely. I’m going to do everything I can to work as hard as I can, study as much as I can to be the best that I can be. I would love to when the time permits and when it’s a credible situation for me in terms of my learning curve, where I understand exactly what needs to happen in order for a football team to win and be structured the right way.”
— Michael Vick, Norfolk State Head Coach
For now, the NFL will have to wait. Vick’s immediate priority is the 2026 MEAC schedule and proving that the Spartans’ dismal 2025 campaign was a fluke. Critics have been vocal about the “Deion Sanders blueprint” being harder to replicate than it looks, but Vick’s recruiting pull in the 757 area remains his greatest weapon. If he can’t turn a talent-rich region like Hampton Roads into a winning program, the NFL chatter will quickly quiet. However, if the Spartans show a dramatic turnaround this fall, expect the “Vick to the League” rumors to reach a fever pitch by January.
The Spartans are expected to begin spring practices next week. All eyes will be on whether Vick has the tactical depth to complement his natural star power.
