Sacramento State reportedly targeting Michael Vick as next head football coach

In a bold and unexpected move, Sacramento State is reportedly in discussions to hire former NFL star Michael Vick as its next head football coach, according to Adam Schefter.

Hiring Michael Vick would come as part of the school’s ambitious plan to transition from FCS to FBS, complete with the construction of a new stadium and a robust NIL war chest exceeding $50 million. The Hornets are clearly aiming to make a statement as they elevate their football program.

Sacramento State reportedly targeting Mike Vick as next head football coach

Breaking: Sacramento State is in discussions to hire former QB Mike Vick as its head coach, sources tell @AdamSchefter.

The school plans to move up to FBS, is building a new stadium and has over $50M in NIL. Sacramento State would build an experienced coaching staff around Vick. pic.twitter.com/v25E2u2HpA

— ESPN (@espn) December 16, 2024

Side Note: Vick stated that he has also interviewed for the head coaching position at Norfolk State. He has spoken with the university’s president, Javaune Adams-Gaston, and athletic director, Melody Webb and mentioned that Norfolk State was the first to contact him and expects to hear a final decision “soon.”

This is how things are going to start going in college football. The first example would be Deion Sanders and now we have Mike Vick in the mix for a head coaching job because both are household, NFL names that should work great with NIL money.

Michael Vick’s name is synonymous with star power and innovation in football. The former Virginia Tech standout and NFL quarterback revolutionized the position with his dual-threat capabilities, earning four Pro Bowl appearances during his career.

Although he has no head coaching experience, Vick’s understanding of the game, combined with his name recognition, could make him a transformative figure for Sacramento State. The school reportedly plans to surround him with an experienced coaching staff to help navigate the transition to FBS football.

Sacramento State’s push to move up to FBS signals a commitment to raising its profile in college athletics. The school is building a new stadium, a key requirement for FBS programs, and the reported $50M NIL fund shows it intends to compete in the modern college football arms race.

The Hornets have been a dominant force at the FCS level in recent years, and their success under previous head coaches has laid a solid foundation for the leap to FBS. Hiring Vick would be a splashy move that aligns with the program’s upward trajectory.

While Vick’s football pedigree is undeniable, moving to FBS is no small task. Sacramento State will need to establish itself against tougher competition, both on the field and in recruiting.

Having a recognizable figure like Michael Vick at the helm could be a game-changer for recruiting, especially in California—a hotbed of high school football talent. Combined with the school’s NIL resources, Sacramento State could quickly become an attractive destination for players looking to make an impact on a rising program.

If the deal goes through, Sacramento State’s leap to FBS would immediately become one of the most intriguing storylines in college football. Mike Vick’s presence alone would draw national attention, and the combination of his leadership and the school’s ambitious plans could make the Hornets a force to watch in the coming years.

For now, the college football world will wait to see if Vick takes his first head coaching gig in what would be a groundbreaking move for both him and Sacramento State.

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