One of the major ripple effects of James Franklin’s firing in October is that it has made several college football coaches a lot richer, thanks to programs locking down their own leaders amid Penn State’s search. The latest name to come off the board is Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea.
Lea had been viewed as a potential target for Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft as he evaluates successors to Franklin. How far those conversations ever progressed is unclear, as Kraft has kept the coaching search tightly sealed with little information leaking from the Penn State compound.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Lea has agreed to a new six-year contract to remain at Vanderbilt. While full details have not been released, the deal reportedly includes a “significant” salary increase along with major investments into the Commodores’ football infrastructure, including staff support and facilities upgrades.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Lea is in his fifth season at Vanderbilt and has compiled a 25–35 record, but his program is experiencing a breakthrough year. Vanderbilt sits at 9–2 and is one win away from its first-ever 10-win season. The Commodores are ranked No. 14 with an outside chance to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history.
Meanwhile, Kraft continues his evaluation of coaching candidates, with many Penn State fans hoping a decision comes soon. The early signing window opens next week, raising the urgency for Penn State to establish its new direction.
