Atlanta, GA (WXIA) - One of the most controversial figures in Atlanta professional football history is returning to the sidelines.
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will serve as offensive coordinator for the city's entry into the Alliance of American Football, according to a Wednesday announcement.
“I have a love and passion for teaching the game of football," Vick said. "I’ve learned so much over the course of my career, playing for and being mentored by some of the best coaches in all of football.
“I want to bring a championship to the city of Atlanta,” he added. “It’s always been a dream of mine, and now I have another shot.”
According to the league, Atlanta's team will be coached by former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress.
Atlanta Alliance home games will be played at Georgia State Stadium, which was formerly Turner Field. The league will field eight teams over a 10-week regular season schedule kicking-off Feb. 9, 2019, on CBS, followed by two playoff rounds and culminating with the championship game the weekend of April 26-28, 2019.
Orlando, Fla., is the league's first entry, and the team will be coached by Steve Spurrier, former head coach of the Florida Gators, Washington Redskins, and University of South Carolina.
Vick was the the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft by the Falcons out of Virginia Tech, and immediately electrified the city and the NFL for his running ability. He was named to three of his four Pro Bowls while in Atlanta, and one of his career highlights came on Jan. 4, 2003, when the Falcons became the first team to defeat the Green Bay Packers in a playoff game at Lambeau Field.
The following year, however, Vick suffered a broken leg in a meaningless preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, and the Falcons' losing record that season would eventually cost head coach Dan Reeves his job.
Under head coach Jim Mora, Jr., Vick, in 2006, became the first quarterback to record over 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.
But Mora was fired after the 2006 season, and the Falcons brought in University of Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino specifically to coach Vick. But Petrino never got the chance, as Vick was suspended from the league and later convicted on federal dog-fighting charges.
Petrino's one year in Atlanta was a disaster, and he resigned on Dec. 10, 2007, after a loss to the New Orleans Saints on national TV to become the head coach of the University of Arkansas.
Vick returned to the NFL after serving an 18-month prison sentence, and played five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2013), having his best statistical season of his career in 2010.
He retired in 2017 following stints with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. He most recently served alongside Childress as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff during the 2017 preseason.
The Alliance of American Football was co-founded by NFL Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian and Charlie Ebersol, whose father, Dick Ebersol, led NBC to partner with the XFL, founded by WWE owner Vince McMahon.
“The Alliance was founded on a commitment to players, fans and the game," said Ebersol, who is also league CEO. "We believe having head coaches with proven track records on the sidelines and former players at every level within the Alliance is essential to putting our players in the best possible position to succeed on and off the field.
“When I accepted the job and thought about what it would take to bring this city a championship, I knew that I needed to bring Michael Vick back to Atlanta," Childress said. "His connection with the city is undeniable, and his 13 years of NFL experience will make him a tremendous asset to our team. I saw firsthand his innate ability to bring out the best in those around him and I’m confident that together, we’re going to build something special for the city of Atlanta.”
Georgia State University converted Turner Field into a football stadium in January 2017. Season-ticket deposits went online for $50 on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday.
Ticket pricing and seat locations for Alliance Atlanta home games will be released later this summer. The Alliance has committed to making a limited number of $35 sideline seats available for purchase.
More about head coach Brad Childress
Childress has 40 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional level. He began his NFL coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator (1999-2005), helping guide the team to three straight trips to the NFC Championship and a Super Bowl XXXIX appearance.
In 2006, he was hired as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, and in 2009, he led a squad that included Alliance investor Jared Allen to the NFC Championship game. Childress most recently served as offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs before retiring from the game. He currently serves as an offensive consultant to the Chicago Bears.
“Brad has helped guide three different NFL franchises to playoff berths, developing many great players in the process,” said Polian, the league's head of football. “He brings a well-respected offensive mind, strong track record and a wealth of football knowledge to a city that is fueled by their fans.”
