The most interesting collegiate game in many parts of the country last weekend was the “Lane Kiffin Bowl” between Coach Kiffin’s LSU Tigers and the Ole Miss Rebels whom he led the previous six seasons.
However, there were two other less-publicized games last Saturday which included four NFL alumni who are in the early stages of their collegiate head coaching careers.
Michael Vick is in his second season at Norfolk State. He signed a four-year contract in 2025 at that university for a reported $1.6 million. His Spartans last Saturday were victorious 42-21 over the Hampton University Pirates who are coached by former Pro Bowl special teamer Van Malone (Lions; 1994-97). The 56-year-old Malone is in his first season at Hampton, but he is a 23-year veteran assistant coach in the collegiate ranks.
The second game between two of our Alumni brothers occurred last Saturday night in Tampa where the University of South Florida (USF) defeated visiting Delaware State 59-17. USF’s rookie head coach Brian Hartline was a popular seven-year (2009-15) wide receiver with the Dolphins and Browns and then started his coaching career as an offensive quality control assistant at Ohio State. He rose to become the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator last season before taking his first head coaching job at USF in December. He and his team return to Ohio this weekend to play second-year head coach (and NFL alum) Eddie George and his Bowling Green Falcons.
Delaware State is coached by DeSean Jackson, who played wide receiver for 15 years (2008-22) in the league, primarily in Philadelphia. The three-time Pro Bowler is in his second year at the university. His Hornets’ 8-4 record was considered such a success last season that he was offered– and agreed to– a three- year contract extension through 2028.
We at NFL Alumni are pleased that so many of our hard-working brothers are receiving opportunities to coach on the college, high school, and NFL levels. We are confident the trend will continue.
