Michael Vick struck a candid and counter-intuitive tone as he approached cheek by jowl in his first season as head coach.
Vick, the first-year Norfolk State coach, was open about the growing pains of his debut campaign, saying, “It’s the situation I’m in right now and I know, but looking forward, I can only see all the positives.” to the media on Monday.
“And you know, I had this healthy opportunity this year because of my team and my coaches and our battle every week. Obviously, tough losses, but you learn a lot, you know, along the way.”
What has been billed as a potentially transformative move for the football program since last winter’s recruiting. Norfolk 1-10. The Spartans are currently on a career-worst nine-game losing streak.
On the way Vick did Exercise adjustments and even he called his players Enforcement, penalties and off-field distractions.
This Spartans degree Second in total offense, dead last in defense and leads the conference in scoring.
Vick acknowledged the need for both a culture shift and a field sequence in 2026.
“For next year, I’m super excited, man. I understand that generally in life in any sport, it’s about consistency,” he said. Now that’s what I’m looking for – how to create an atmosphere, build a team with structure and discipline. “
He emphasized his commitment to instilling those traits while assembling a roster that reflected his philosophy of competition, one in college and one in the NFL.
“It’s planning to hire and bring kids in. There’s a lot of interest right now,” he said. “The potential is there. But it’s not just about having good players, it’s about developing them and making sure they understand our game plan, everything we want to do and everything and on the field.”
Faced with the reality of losing the 30-year-old, Vick recognized an impending transformation at Norfolk State. “He will probably come in, but there will be an influx of players to come in with the right attitude. He plans a transparent approach in 2026, vowing to play “a different brand of football, definitely”.
Reflecting on the year’s challenges, Vick remained introspective but optimistic. “I was able to hang there emotionally every week. Football is very emotional and for a while, win, win, win, win, win, win.”
Vick admitted that his high preparation expectations ultimately fell short. However, with a full offseason to recruit players and shape the roster, Norfolk State should be in a stronger position to accelerate its rebuild.
“A lot to teach, a lot to improve. With the influx of players, now we can set the standard,” he said. “To play the role of general manager, to build the team, I build.”
Vick expressed gratitude for the trip and the fake relationship.
As the Spartans turn the page, Vick’s vision for Norfolk State is a clear program, one that’s ready for the seasons to come.
