Vite takes the reins on defense

By: by Joel Worthington

Football | 3/18/2021 8:36:00 PM

JACKSON, Tenn. | Michael Vite has been named Defensive Coordinator of the Lane College football program. Vite joins the Dragons after most recently spending time at Sul Ross State where he served in the same capacity.

As Defensive Coordinator at Lane College, Vite brings diversified administrative and coaching experience to the Dragons staff. Vite is committed to managing the defensive players, overseeing the defensive game plan, and calling plays for the defense during the game.

His coaching tenure has focused on the total development of players. He has implemented academic strategies to ensure that players improve the team's Academic Progress Rate (APR). He believes that players must be well-rounded in academics and athletics while emphasizing the importance of completing their degree and graduating from college.

Vite has an extensive collegiate career in various leadership capacities. His teams have been recognized as conference best for pass-defense, third-down conversions, and limiting opponent offenses.

Since 2000, he has coached at the high school and collegiate level in various states. His tenure includes stops as Defensive Coordinator at New Mexico State, Texas Southern University, Guilford College, Morgan State University, Bacone College, Murray State University, Southern University, and Southern Illinois University. Vite was also Interim Head Coach at Southern Illinios and also served as Head Coach of the Apprentice School. During his time at Florida A&M University, Vite was Special Teams Coordinator and Linebacker Coach.

While at Southern, Vite put together a few of the best defense in FCS history allowing 17.8 points per game with 24 interceptions, 20 fumble recoveries, 48 sacks, and a 94 % passing defense efficiency.

Coach Vite received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. Coach Vite's skills and talents are beneficial to the Dragons, and he is committed to strengthening the team in an efficient manner.