Home / Sports / Michigan Eyes Vanderbilt's Rising Star Coach
Michigan Eyes Vanderbilt's Rising Star Coach
12 Dec
Summary
- Clark Lea has a 26-35 record with Vanderbilt over five seasons.
- Lea led Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record and near CFP appearance in 2025.
- He has been named SEC Coach of the Year twice.
Michigan's football program is seeking a new leader, and Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea has emerged as a potential candidate. At 44 years old, Lea brings a youthful energy and a proven ability to build a program from the ground up.
Lea has navigated the challenging SEC landscape, achieving significant success with the Commodores. In the 2025 season, he led Vanderbilt to a remarkable 10-2 record, narrowly missing a College Football Playoff berth. This success, coupled with two SEC Coach of the Year awards, demonstrates his coaching prowess.
His strategic use of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities has been instrumental in competing against top-tier programs. Notably, he secured five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, flipping him from Georgia, showcasing his recruiting acumen. While questions about long-term sustainability and reliance on specific players exist, Lea's potential for Michigan is significant.
