Former NFL stars Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson have made headlines this previous month after accepting
head-coaching positions at traditionally black faculties and universities.
Vick, a Virginia native, is heading residence to steer the Norfolk State Spartans, whereas Jackson will probably be in control of the Delaware State Hornets. Although not initially from Delaware, the college is lower than 100 miles from Philadelphia, the place Jackson performed for the Eagles from 2008 to 2013 and 2019 to 2020.
Jackson State’s determination to rent Deion Sanders in 2020 laid the inspiration for different HBCUs to hunt out high-profile NFL stars to steer their applications. Sanders loved nice success at Jackson State, accumulating a 27-6 file. His signature second got here when he flipped then-No. 1 total recruit and now Heisman winner Travis Hunter from Florida State to affix him on the FCS stage.
Norfolk State and Delaware State hope to duplicate a number of the hype and a spotlight Sanders introduced with him.
Although the eventualities could seem related on paper, Jackson and Vick’s circumstances will assist decide whether or not this technique of choosing coaches will probably be profitable in the long run.
Sanders served as an offensive coordinator and head coach for a number of prep faculties courting again to 2012 earlier than accepting the Jackson State place.
Jackson and Vick don’t at present have as a lot expertise.
Vick was a training intern for the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs throughout their 2017 coaching camp and later as an offensive analyst for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Soccer in 2019.
Jackson formally retired from the NFL in 2023 and spent final season because the offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson Excessive Faculty in California.
Whereas the restricted expertise of Jackson and Vick could also be a priority to some, it’s a danger price taking for his or her respective faculties. Each faculties have struggled to search out success lately. The Spartans haven’t had a profitable season since 2011, and the Hornets haven’t posted a profitable file since 2007.
Given their current histories and the stature of their new coaches, each faculties are doubtless to provide Jackson and Vick ample time to construct up their applications. Their fame and soccer experience may assist set up a powerful tradition and entice expertise to their groups.
If both or each can efficiently flip round their applications, this might shift how teaching candidates are evaluated. Extra HBCUs may take probabilities on first-time head coaches and attain out to former stars to spice up recruitment and construct a profitable tradition.
Norfolk State and Delaware State, each members of the Mid-Jap Athletic Convention, are more likely to meet this coming season. Every workforce will probably be price monitoring past 2025.
