Athletic director Candice Storey Lee announced the extension of Vanderbilt football head coach Clark Lea this morning. The three-year extension will go through 2029, according to ESPN. The announcement came one day before Lea is set to address the media at SEC Media Day.
In December 2020, following Vanderbilt’s winless season, the Commodores signed Lea with hopes of rebuilding the football program. In 2021, Lea ended Vanderbilt’s 11-game losing streak with a win against Colorado State, also snapping the Commodores’ 10-game road losing streak, which dated back all the way to 2018.
This past season, Lea led the Commodores to a 5-7 record and numerous milestones. Vanderbilt scored its most points in a since game since 1969 with a 63-10 win over Hawaii and its first SEC road win since 2018 with a victory over Kentucky. The Commodores also won their first home game against Florida since 1988.
“The only way that we accomplish the mission we have set forth for Vanderbilt Football is with the vision and support from Chancellor Diermeier and Candice Lee,” Lea said in Vanderbilt’s press release this morning. “To have them acknowledge the progress we’ve made to this point and to commit to seeing us push further on our journey, means everything to me. Like everyone who is a part of our team, I will work to earn it every day and recognize the great responsibility I have with the incredible opportunity and support I’ve been given.”
In less than six weeks, Lea’s third season as Vanderbilt’s head coach will begin. He will hope to continue his team’s positive trajectory and lead Vanderbilt to its first bowl appearance since the 2018 Texas Bowl. The Commodores will be led by sophomore quarterback AJ Swann.
