The series premiere of "The Coach Vick Experience" aired last night on BET, chronicling the high-profile arrival of Michael Vick as Norfolk State University's  head football coach. Titled "All Eyes on Norfolk," the episode detailed the obstacles of rebuilding a 4-8 program while managing the intense scrutiny that follows one of the most recognizable names in football history.

The debut episode highlighted the personal toll of Vick’s move to Virginia. While Vick grew up just 30 minutes away from the Norfolk campus, his wife, Kijafa Vick, and their four children remained at their home in Florida to maintain stability for their high school senior daughter. Vick spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of the arrangement, noting that living in separate cities has led to moments of vulnerability and missed family milestones.

On the field, Vick focused on shifting the culture of the Spartans by surrounding himself with a veteran coaching staff. The group includes individuals with extensive NFL experience, such as special teams coordinator Tory Woodbury and defensive coordinator Terence Garvin. Vick emphasized that his goal is to put Norfolk State "on the map" by implementing professional standards, despite having fewer resources than bigger programs.

The first episode centers on a tense quarterback competition between Israel "Izzy" Carter, a sophomore with a lifelong connection to Vick, and Otto Kuhns, a senior incumbent. Although Kuhns has more collegiate experience, Vick opted to start Carter in the season opener against Towson, citing a desire to look toward the future of the program. The decision sparked a direct confrontation behind closed doors, with Kuhns asserting that he had outperformed his teammate during practice.

Journalist William Rhoden provided context during the episode regarding the role of HBCUs, noting that the institutions offer opportunities to all athletes regardless of race, provided they can perform on the field.

The pressure of the debut was magnified by the presence of national media, including ESPN's  "First Take." However, the hype did not translate to an immediate victory. After a scoreless first half and offensive struggles under Carter, Vick turned to Kuhns to provide a spark. While the Spartans managed a touchdown in the second half, 10 offensive penalties and a blocked field goal led to a 27-7 loss to Towson.

Seeking guidance on managing team discipline and "attitude issues," Vick held a phone consultation with University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Sanders, acting as a mentor, encouraged Vick to persevere through the early growing pains of head coaching.

Following the loss, the tension between Vick and Kuhns escalated at practice. When Kuhns questioned his role and the fairness of the competition, Vick challenged the senior’s maturity, stating that no player is owed a position and that the team must learn the discipline required to win. Vick concluded the episode by reaffirming his commitment to the program, despite the opening setback. 

Continue watching BET’s new docuseries The Coach Vick Experience every Wednesday, at 10 PM ET / 9 PM CT, offering an unfiltered look at Michael Vick’s first season leading Norfolk State football.