Clark Lea, just completed his fourth season as Vanderbilt’s head coach in 2024, has led the Commodores through a period of growth and transition. With the debut of an upgraded FirstBank Stadium and changes in the SEC, including the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, Lea now assumes defensive coordinator duties and welcomes Tim Beck as offensive coordinator. In 2023, Vanderbilt excelled in discipline, leading the SEC in fewest penalties and earning multiple All-American and All-SEC honors, while also achieving a program-record five Academic All-District selections.
Since his arrival, Lea has revitalized Vanderbilt football, breaking long-standing SEC win droughts and emphasizing discipline, time of possession, and turnover margin. The program’s academic achievements, including a perfect graduation rate, mirror its on-field improvements. Lea’s coaching experience at Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Syracuse has been instrumental in developing talent and building a competitive program, reflecting his commitment to elevating Vanderbilt on and off the field.
