Former NFL stars Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson made headlines last month after accepting head coaching positions at historically black colleges and universities.

Vick, a Virginia native, is heading home to manage the Norfolk State Spartans, while Jackson will manage the Delaware State Hornets. Although the university is not originally from Delaware, it is less than 100 miles from Philadelphia, where Jackson played for the Eagles from 2008 to 2013 and 2019 to 2020.

Jackson State’s decision to hire Deion Sanders in 2020 laid the groundwork for other HBCUs to seek high-profile NFL stars to lead their programs. Sanders enjoyed great success at Jackson State, compiling a 27-6 record. His defining moment came when he turned around the no. Joining him at the FCS level is 1st overall recruit and current Heisman winner Travis Hunter from Florida State.

Norfolk State and Delaware State are hoping to replicate some of the hype and attention that Sanders brought.

Although the scenarios may seem similar on paper, Jackson and Vick’s circumstances will help determine whether this method of coaching selection will be successful in the long term.

Sanders served as an offensive coordinator and head coach for several prep schools since 2012 before accepting the job at Jackson State.

Jackson and Vick don’t have that much experience right now.

Vick was a coaching intern for the Kansas City Chiefs during their 2017 training camp and later as an offensive analyst for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.

Jackson officially retired from the NFL in 2023 and spent last season as the offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson High School in California.

While Jackson and Vick’s limited experience may be concerning to some, it’s a risk worth taking for their respective schools. Both schools have struggled to be successful in recent years. The Spartans haven’t had a winning season since 2011 and the Hornets haven’t posted a winning record since 2007.

Jackson shared a statement regarding his new gig at Delaware State.

“The opportunity for me to write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, responsibility, achievement and discipline,” Jackson said. “If we build a culture like this at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I can’t wait to get started.”

Given their recent history and the stature of their new coaches, both schools will likely give Jackson and Vick ample time to build their programs. Their fame and football expertise could help establish a strong culture and attract talent to their teams.

If one or both can successfully implement their programs, the way coaching candidates are evaluated could change. More HBCUs could take the risk of first-time head coaches and turn to former stars to boost recruiting and build a winning culture.

Norfolk State and Delaware State, both members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, are expected to meet next season. Each team will be worth watching beyond 2025.