Virginia Tech Football: Hokies Head Coach Brent Pry Shares Thoughts On Norfolk State Hiring Michael Vick
On December 18, 2024, Brent Pry, the head coach of Virginia Tech Hokies football, shared his perspective on Norfolk State’s recent hire of Michael Vick as their new head coach. This move has caught the attention of the football world, as it represents a major step for both Vick and Norfolk State. Vick, a Virginia Tech legend, is taking on his first head coaching role, despite having no previous head coaching experience, which is a situation reminiscent of Deion Sanders’ early coaching career. Vick’s hiring has sparked significant interest because of his history with Virginia Tech, his potential to elevate Norfolk State, and the comparisons to Sanders’ success.
Vick’s hiring is an exciting development for both Norfolk State and college football fans, with his larger-than-life personality and extensive football knowledge positioning him as an attractive figure for recruiting, particularly for quarterbacks. As one of Virginia Tech’s most celebrated athletes, Vick led the Hokies to an impressive 22-2 record during his tenure as quarterback. He helped the team win a Big East championship and earned a memorable victory at the 2000 Gator Bowl, further solidifying his place as a college football icon. Additionally, Vick’s remarkable college career earned him the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, where he went on to achieve a legendary career in the NFL, making him a beloved figure in Blacksburg, Virginia.
While Vick’s time as a Hokie quarterback was a major part of his football legacy, his impact was not limited to just leading Virginia Tech on the field. In his two years as the Hokies’ signal caller, Vick passed for more than 3,000 yards, rushed for over 1,200 yards, and accounted for 36 total touchdowns. His performance during the 1999 season was particularly extraordinary, as he guided the Hokies to a berth in the BCS National Championship Game against Florida State and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. Vick’s dynamic playmaking ability, both in the air and on the ground, helped elevate the Hokies to national prominence, making him a pivotal figure in the program’s history.
Despite the fact that Vick has no head coaching experience at either the FBS or FCS levels, there are reasons to believe that he could succeed in his new role at Norfolk State. Brent Pry expressed optimism about Vick’s ability to thrive in the position, highlighting his knowledge of football and his appeal as a personality who can attract players, particularly quarterbacks. Vick’s transition from an NFL star to head coach may seem unconventional, but the example of Deion Sanders’ success at Jackson State and later at Colorado provides hope for Vick’s potential in his new role. Sanders, like Vick, had no prior head coaching experience but was able to make an immediate impact by rebuilding Jackson State’s program and, more recently, revitalizing the Colorado Buffaloes. Under Sanders, Colorado rose to prominence in the Big 12, with standout players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders emerging as NFL Draft prospects, further cementing Sanders’ success.
The success of Deion Sanders has become a reference point for aspiring coaches like Vick, and while it is uncertain whether Vick will achieve the same level of success, there are reasons to be hopeful. Sanders’ rapid rise in coaching has shown that former star players can translate their experience and charisma into coaching success, even without prior coaching experience. Vick’s history as one of college football’s most dynamic players and his deep understanding of the game give him a foundation on which he can build as he begins his coaching career.
Vick’s hiring at Norfolk State presents an intriguing opportunity for both the program and the former quarterback. Norfolk State has historically struggled to gain national attention, and Vick’s arrival brings a level of excitement and potential for the program to start competing at a higher level. The hire could spark a new era for Norfolk State, one marked by increased interest from recruits, especially quarterbacks, who may want to play for someone with Vick’s pedigree and experience. However, the lack of head coaching experience at a high level still raises questions about how quickly Vick can adapt to the challenges of managing a football program.
Hokies fans are watching this development closely, as Vick’s success or failure at Norfolk State could have implications for the broader football community. Given Vick’s immense popularity in Blacksburg, many Hokies fans are excited about the prospect of seeing him lead another team, even if it is not Virginia Tech. As Vick embarks on his coaching career, he will have the opportunity to shape the future of Norfolk State football, and it will be fascinating to see if he can replicate the success of other former players like Deion Sanders, who made an immediate and lasting impact at the coaching level.
In conclusion, Michael Vick’s hiring as head coach at Norfolk State marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his career. While he lacks head coaching experience, his deep football knowledge, iconic status, and potential to attract top talent give him the opportunity to succeed. His hire is a high-profile one, with comparisons to Deion Sanders’ success as a first-time head coach providing hope for Vick’s future. Hokies fans and college football enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how Vick’s leadership unfolds at Norfolk State, with the potential for him to turn the program into a competitive force in the years to come.
