Michael Vick is going through coaching changes at the breakneck pace he has shown throughout his NFL career.
The first-time Norfolk State head coach fired multiple members of his defensive coaching staff after a 1-6 start and an average of 35.6 points per game.
Vick did not disclose which coaches were fired when he confirmed the news on Tuesday.
Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick. Peter Casey – Image
“That's my job as a leader,” Vick said, according to The Virginian-Pilot. “It's not that it hasn't been successful in some areas, it's just that my expectations were far beyond what we've accomplished so far.
“I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I expect a certain standard and as long as I'm the head coach, I'm going to make the right decisions and 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 gushed about Vick being from the area. The former No. 1 overall pick grew up in Newport News and starred at Virginia Tech before a successful but controversial NFL campaign. Vick served nearly two years in prison from 2007-09 for his involvement in dog fighting.
Vick shakes hands with Greg Schiano after a loss to Rutgers in September. Capture images via Reuters Connect
Vick won in his second game as coach on Sept. 6, when Norfolk State beat Virginia State 34-31 in overtime, but things have been rough since then.
The Spartans have lost five straight games, including four games by at least 31 points.
X User @OffScript_Vidz reported last week that Vick had fired defensive coordinator Terrance Gavin and two others, with defensive backs coach Jameer Smith listed as one of the two by The Virginian-Pilot.
Norfolk State football's staff page still lists Gavin and Smith at their respective positions.
“As a first-year coach, having to make the decision that I did, it wasn't easy,” Vick said. “But it’s been a great experience and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it growing every day.”
Michael Vick and the referees during the loss to Rutgers. Vincent Carchietta – Image
Vick said his players are not fazed by the upheaval and Norfolk State will look to get back to winning ways when it hosts South Carolina State on Saturday.
“My guys are going to follow everything I do,” Vick said, according to the Virginian-Pilot. “We had a lot of energy yesterday. We're excited about moving forward.”