It doesn’t matter whether the rumors about former NFL quarterback Michael Vick and FCS Sacramento State are true.
That we’re even talking about the Hornets — and Vick’s pursuit of an FCS job — is a win for both.
On Monday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter created ripples when he reported Sacramento State was “in discussions to hire” former NFL quarterback Michael Vick as its head coach.
The Hornets fired second-year head coach Andy Thompson earlier this month following a 3-9 season, snapping a streak of four consecutive FCS playoff appearances.
The Sacramento Bee spoke to two school officials, who said Schefter’s report was “not true.” Later, the NFL insider shared a statement with University president Luke Wood confirming his discussions with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft.
“He has expressed interest in the position, and yes, I did meet with him about his interest in Sac State football and our athletic rise,” Wood said. (h/t Schefter)
Vick has also been in talks with Norfolk State about its opening, so it makes sense why he’d be interested in another FCS job.
Pursuing the Sacramento State job gives him leverage in negotiations with the Spartans.
As for the Hornets, even if they’re being played like a fiddle, they’ll happily churn out a tune.
Any publicity is good for Sacramento State’s pursuit of a Pac-12 invite.
SAC-12, a group focused on bringing Sacramento State to the Pac-12 (get it?), boasted about having “raised over $57 million in NIL funds” in October.
Schefter echoed that statement when he reported the program “has over $50 million in NIL.”
However, that money is incumbent on Sacramento State leaping to the Pac-12 and would be spread out over a 10-year period.
That makes more sense because, as The Athletic college football reporter Stewart Mandel wrote, “If it was $50 million in hard cash, they could get any coach in America to come to Sacramento.”
Hiring a coach with Vick’s name recognition could lead to more immediate financial commitments. But simply courting the 2010 Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year should gin up interest in the job.
With a splash hire, the Hornets might look more attractive to the Pac-12, which must add an eighth football member by July 2026 to qualify as an FBS conference.
Whether or not Vick ends up at Sacramento State, both should benefit from being in the spotlight.
