Michael Vick makes coaching changes with the same blistering speed he displayed during his electric NFL career.
Norfolk State’s first head coach fired several members of his defensive coaching staff amid a 1-6 start in which the Spartans are allowing 35.6 points per game.
Vick did not reveal which coaches were fired while confirming the news Tuesday.
“That’s my job as a leader,” Vick said, according to the Virginian-Pilot. “That’s not to say it hasn’t been successful in some areas, but I hope it will be much more than we’ve achieved so far.”
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I expect certain standards, and as long as I’m the head coach, I’m going to make the right decision, I’m going to do what’s best for the team.”
Norfolk State hired the former Falcons and Eagles star as head coach in December despite his lack of coaching experience at any level.
The school’s athletic director insisted that Vick was from the area. The former No. 1 overall pick grew up in Newport News and played for Virginia Tech before his successful but controversial run in the NFL; Vick served nearly two years in prison from 2007 to 2009 for his role in a dogfighting ring.
Vick won in his second game as coach on Sept. 6 when Norfolk State beat Virginia State in overtime, 34-31, but it’s been rough sailing since.
The Spartans have lost five straight and allowed at least 31 points in four of the games.
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The Norfolk State football personnel page still lists Garvin and Smith at their respective positions.
“As a first-year coach, having to make the decision that I made, it wasn’t easy,” Vick said, according to the outlet. “But it’s been quite an experience, and I appreciate every minute of growth every day.”
Vick said his players aren’t bothered by the upset, and Norfolk State will look to get back in the win column Saturday when it hosts South Carolina State.
“My players are going to follow me in everything I do,” Vick said, according to the Virginian-Pilot. “Our energy was high yesterday. We’re excited to move forward.”
