Emotions ran high as Vickers faced the media following Norfolk State’s hard-fought first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Maryland. When asked about his future, he exhaled deeply, his eyes watering as he searched for the right words. “I don’t know, man,” he admitted, his voice unsteady. “We all have visions and goals, and—I don’t know, man,” he continued, before putting his head down, unable to finish the thought. The weight of the moment—a long journey that he had poured so much of himself into—settled over the room. 

For nearly a decade, Larry Vickers was the architect behind Norfolk State women’s basketball, transforming the Spartans from a program searching for consistency into a perennial contender. Now, after compiling a 177-99 record and leading Norfolk State to three consecutive MEAC championships and NCAA Tournament berths, Vickers embarks on a new challenge: guiding Auburn University’s women’s basketball program to prominence.

His departure marks the end of an era at Norfolk State, where his impact extended far beyond the win column. Vickers built a culture of excellence rooted in defensive intensity, player development, and a relentless commitment to elevating those around him. His ability to maximize talent and instill confidence in his players made Norfolk State a formidable program, not just within the MEAC but on the national stage.

Auburn’s decision to tap Vickers as its next head coach is a testament to the wealth of coaching talent emerging from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). For years, HBCUs have cultivated brilliant basketball minds—John Chaney and Ben Jobe among them—yet the broader coaching pipeline has often overlooked their contributions. Vickers’ hiring signals a growing recognition that elite coaching exists at every level, not just within the traditional power conferences.

“[I feel] like a proud big brother, a proud friend, a mentor seeing someone getting a chance they deserve,” Norfolk State men’s basketball coach Robert Jones told Andscape. “A lot of times as HBCU coaches we get pigeonholed. So credit to the Auburn administration for taking a chance.”

At Auburn, he steps into a program eager to reassert itself in the highly competitive SEC. His defensive-minded approach, meticulous preparation, and ability to forge strong team identities will serve him well as he transitions to the Power Five ranks. While the stage is bigger, the principles remain the same.

Back in Norfolk, the Spartans now face the difficult task of replacing one of the most accomplished coaches in program history. The university has announced a national search for his successor, but Vickers’ imprint on the program is indelible. His tenure at Norfolk State not only reshaped the trajectory of the Spartans but also reinforced the undeniable truth that HBCUs continue to produce exceptional talent, on and off the court.