Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick has been named the new head coach at Norfolk State, the school announced Friday.

“Today marks a historic day for Norfolk State University,” Norfolk State athletic director Dr. Melody Webb said in a statement. “I am thrilled to welcome Michael Vick and his family back to the Hampton Roads area to lead our football program.”

Vick, 44, replaces Dawson Odums, who was fired by the Spartans in November after a 4-8 season.

A native of nearby Newport News, Virginia, Vick announced his intention to take the job on Tuesday, posting on social media that he’s “looking forward to coming back home.”

As a player, Vick carried Virginia Tech to the 1999 national title game and went on to become the first Black quarterback to be chosen with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. He has been an NFL analyst for Fox sports since his retirement in 2017.

Norfolk State has made one appearance in the FCS playoffs, losing in the first round to in-state rival Old Dominion in 2011.