Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea gets contract extension

By Chris Marler

Another familiar name in this year’s historic coaching carousel will be staying put. Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea is signing a contract extension to remain the head coach of the Commodores. 

Lea returned to his alma mater to become the head coach in 2021. Last year’s team finished with seven wins, the most they’d had in a season since 2013. This year’s team is 9-2 going into their final regular season game against Tennessee. 

Lea’s name had been associated with multiple jobs throughout the coaching carousel including Penn State and LSU. The contract details are not finalized as of yet, but his current salary has been long overdue for a raise. In 2025, Lea made just $3.71 million which ranks 57th in the FBS for head coaches.