While these top five colleges might not enjoy the same glamour as traditional football powerhouses, they have proven themselves in another way by producing the highest-earning NFL players.
Stingers up.
Sacramento State is in discussions to hire former NFL quarterback Michael Vick as the program's next head coach, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday, citing sources.
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Sacramento State is in discussions to hire former Pro-Bowl QB Mike Vick as its new head coach, per sources. Sacramento State plans to move up to FBS, is building a new stadium and has over $50 million in NIL. Sacramento State would build an experienced coaching staff around Vick…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 16, 2024
The Hornets are coming off a 3-9 season in the Blue Sky, which included a 1-7 conference record and a five-game losing skid to end the year.
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But the report added Sacramento State is looking to move up to FBS as it is building a new stadium. The school also possesses over $50 million in NIL money, providing more ammo to make bigger hires.
Vick has not been a coach at the NFL or college level, but also recently told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper he interviewed with Norfolk State.
“I know how to lead and I know what it takes,” Vick told the newspaper.
NCAAF
Vick, a four-time NFL Pro Bowler known for his electric two-way playmaking, has coaching experience with the Atlanta Legends, a former AAF team. In the NFL, he suited up for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sacramento State's last head coach was Andy Thompson, who got promoted to the role in 2023 after being the program's defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022.
Thompson led the Hornets to a promising 8-5 mark in his first season, eventually losing to South Dakota in the second round of the playoffs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
