Clark Lea

Last updated

Clark Lea
Current position
Title Head coach
Team Vanderbilt
Conference SEC
Record15–30
Biographical details
Born (1981-11-11) November 11, 1981 (age 42)
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Playing career
2002–2004 Vanderbilt
Position(s) Fullback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
2006 UCLA (GA)
2007 South Dakota State (LB)
2008South Dakota State (RC/LB)
2009UCLA (GA)
2010–2011UCLA (LB)
2012 Bowling Green (LB)
2013–2015 Syracuse (LB)
2016 Wake Forest (LB)
2017 Notre Dame (LB)
2018–2020Notre Dame (DC)
2021–present Vanderbilt
Head coaching record
Overall15–30

Clark Lea (born November 11, 1981) is an American football coach who has been the head football coach at Vanderbilt since 2021. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Notre Dame from 2018 to 2020. Lea began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2006 and went on to serve as an assistant coach at South Dakota State University, Bowling Green State University, Syracuse University, and Wake Forest University.

Contents

Playing career

Lea started his college career playing baseball. He helped lead Birmingham Southern to the 2001 NAIA championship his freshman year. Lea then transferred to Belmont University and played one year of baseball (5G, 2-for-5, K). [1] Lea remained in Nashville and finished his college career at Vanderbilt, where he played fullback for the Commodores his final two years. [2]

Coaching career

UCLA

In 2006, Lea began his coaching career at UCLA as a graduate assistant under head coach Karl Dorrell. [3]

South Dakota State

In 2007, Lea joined South Dakota State University as their linebackers coach under head coach John Stiegelmeier. [4] [5] In 2008, Lea was given an additional role as recruiting coordinator. [6]

UCLA (second stint)

In 2009, Lea returned to UCLA as a graduate assistant under head coach Rick Neuheisel. In 2010, he was promoted to linebackers coach. [7] Following Neuheisel's firing on November 28, 2011, Lea was not retained by UCLA for the 2012 season. [8]

Bowling Green

In 2012, Lea was hired as the linebackers coach at Bowling Green State University under defensive coordinator Mike Elko and head coach Dave Clawson. [9] [10]

Syracuse

In 2013, Lea joined Syracuse University as their linebackers coach under head coach Scott Shafer. [11] [12]

Wake Forest

In 2016, Lea was hired as the linebackers coach at Wake Forest University, reuniting with defensive coordinator Mike Elko and head coach Dave Clawson. [13]

Notre Dame

In 2017, Lea followed defensive coordinator Mike Elko to the University of Notre Dame to serve as their linebackers coach under head coach Brian Kelly. [14] [15] In January 2018, Lea was promoted to defensive coordinator, replacing Mike Elko, who departed to serve in the same role at Texas A&M. [16]

Vanderbilt

On December 14, 2020, Lea was named the 29th head football coach at Vanderbilt University, replacing Derek Mason. [17]

In the 2021 season, Lea led Vanderbilt to a 2–10 mark in his first season as head coach. [18] The 2022 season marked improvement for Lea and the Commodores with a 5–7 record. [19] The Commodores defeated SEC East rivals Kentucky and Florida to highlight the 2022 season. [20] [21] In the 2023 offseason, Lea's contract was extended three years through the 2029 season. [22] Lea coached Vanderbilt to a 2–10 record in the 2023 season. [23] On October 5, 2024, Lea coached Vanderbilt to a 40-35 upset victory over #1 Alabama, the Commodores' first ever win vs an AP top 5 team, as well as their first win over Alabama since 1984. [24]

Head coaching record

YearTeamOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs
Vanderbilt Commodores (Southeastern Conference)(2021–present)
2021 Vanderbilt 2–100–87th (East)
2022 Vanderbilt 5–72–67th (East)
2023 Vanderbilt 2–100–87th (East)
2024 Vanderbilt 6–33–2
Vanderbilt:15–305–24
Total:15–30

Related Research Articles

Karl James Dorrell is an American football coach. He has been the head coach for the UCLA Bruins and Colorado Buffaloes, being named the Pac-12 Coach of the Year for both. Dorrell led the UCLA Bruins to five bowl appearances and was the first African American head football coach in their history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Neuheisel</span> American football analyst, coach, player, and attorney (born 1961)

Richard Gerald Neuheisel Jr. is an American football analyst, coach, and former player. He served as the head football coach at the University of Colorado Boulder from 1995 to 1999, at the University of Washington from 1999 to 2002, and at his alma mater, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), from 2008 to 2011, compiling a career college football coaching record of 87–59. From 2005 to 2007, Neuheisel was an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL), as quarterbacks coach for two seasons and offensive coordinator for one. He formerly served as head coach for the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) before the collapse of the league. Before coaching, Neuheisel played quarterback for the UCLA Bruins from 1980 to 1983, then spent two seasons with the San Antonio Gunslingers of the United States Football League (USFL) before splitting the 1987 NFL season between the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Chavis (American football)</span> American football player and coach (born 1956)

Johnny Chavis, nicknamed "The Chief", is an American football coach who was most recently the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He previously served as defensive coordinator for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team and former defensive coordinator, linebacker coach, and associate head coach at the Tennessee Volunteers football, LSU Tigers football, and Texas A&M Aggies football programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Golden</span> American football player and coach (born 1969)

Alfred James Golden Jr. is an American football coach and former tight end who is the defensive coordinator of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He served as the head football coach for the Temple Owls from 2006 to 2010 and the Miami Hurricanes from 2011 to 2015. Prior to head coaching, he was the defensive coordinator for the Virginia Cavaliers from 2001 to 2005. Golden played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and professionally for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Vanderbilt Commodores football team</span> American college football season

The 2008 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 2008–09 college football season. The team's head coach was Bobby Johnson, who served his seventh season in the position. The Commodores played their six home games at Vanderbilt Stadium at Dudley Field in Nashville, Tennessee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Freeman</span> American football player and coach (born 1986)

Marcus Freeman is an American football coach and former linebacker who is the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He previously served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Notre Dame in 2021. Freeman has also previously served as an assistant coach at the University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, Kent State University, and Ohio State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 UCLA Bruins football team</span> American college football season

The 2009 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Under second-year head coach Rick Neuheisel, they opened the season at the Rose Bowl on September 5 against San Diego State. The last game of the season, against USC was moved from the "Championship Saturday" weekend of December. Instead, the UCLA–USC rivalry game was played on Saturday, November 28 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Johnson (American football coach)</span> American football player and coach (born 1967)

Michael Eric Johnson is an American football coach and former quarterback, and current wide receivers coach for Syracuse. He was the interim head coach for the UCLA Bruins football team after serving as their offensive coordinator. Previously, he spent two years with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. Johnson was hired along with former offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye by San Francisco head coach Mike Singletary on February 6, 2009. Raye was fired on September 27, 2010, and Johnson was promoted. Beginning in 2014 he served for three seasons as head coach of The King's Academy Knights in Sunnyvale, California, before being hired as wide receiver coach by the University of Oregon in 2017.

Jason Tarver is an American football coach who is the linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders. Tarver also coached at Vanderbilt, Stanford, UCLA and West Valley College.

Derek Mason is an American college football coach who is currently the head football coach for Middle Tennessee State University. He previously served as head coach at Vanderbilt University from 2014 to 2020.

Michael Fredrick Denbrock is an American football coach who is the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He has previously coached for the Illinois State Redbirds, Grand Valley State Lakers, Stanford Cardinal, Washington Huskies, Indiana State Sycamores, Cincinnati Bearcats, and LSU Tigers. He also coached in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Buffalo Destroyers.

Michael Elko is an American college football coach who is the head football coach at Texas A&M University. He was previously the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M from 2018 until his hiring by Duke on December 10, 2021, and subsequent departure from Duke and hiring by Texas A&M on November 26, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team</span> American college football season

The 2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led by head coach Brian Kelly, who was in his ninth season at Notre Dame, and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. The Fighting Irish competed as an independent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brent Pry</span> American football player and coach (born 1970)

Brenton James Pry is an American football coach and former player who is currently the head coach at Virginia Tech. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at Penn State from 2016 to 2021. He played college football for the Buffalo Bulls.

Mike Elston is an American football coach and former player who is currently the defensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Prior Mike Elston was the defensive line coach for the University of Michigan.

Jay Bateman is an American football coach who is currently the defensive coordinator for the Texas A&M Aggies. He was previously the inside linebackers coach for the Florida Gators and the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A former Broyles Award finalist, he has also had assistant coaching stints at Ball State, Army as well as a head coaching stint at Siena from 2000 to 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team</span> American college football season

The 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led during the regular season by Brian Kelly in his 12th and final season at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish played their home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesse Minter</span> American football player and coach (born 1983)

Jesse Minter is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan from 2022 to 2023.

Tyler Stockton is an American college football coach and former player who serves as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Boise State University. He spent four years on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, where he played part of one season as a defensive lineman. He spent time coaching at the University of Connecticut, Western Illinois University and Ball State University before arriving at Boise State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team</span> American college football season

The 2024 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represents the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Fighting Irish are led by Marcus Freeman in his third year as Notre Dame's head coach. They play their home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.

References

  1. ↑ "2001-2002 Stats" (PDF). Belmont Bruins Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 9, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  2. ↑ Organ, Mike (January 19, 2017). "Ex-Vanderbilt player named Notre Dame linebackers coach". The Tennessean. Archived from the original on July 4, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Clark Lea: Things I Know". Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website. January 28, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Clark Lea - Assistant Coach - Football Coaches". South Dakota State University Athletics. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  5. ↑ Vorel, Mike (January 11, 2018). "How defensive coordinator Clark Lea's past prepared him for Notre Dame". Notre Dame Insider. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  6. ↑ Cohen, Michael (June 18, 2013). "Getting to know Syracuse linebackers coach Clark Lea". syracuse.com. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  7. ↑ Maya, Adam (February 24, 2010). "UCLA football: Bruins tab Lea as LB coach". Orange County Register. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Mora Takes Coaching Job at U.C.L.A." The New York Times. Associated Press. December 11, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Clark Lea - Football Coach". Bowling Green State University Athletics. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Clark Lea formally named Linebackers Coach". NBC Sports. January 13, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Clark Lea - Football Coach". Syracuse University Athletics. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  12. ↑ Shay, Nolan (December 21, 2020). "How Clark Lea's tenure as SU's linebacker coach led him to take over at Vanderbilt". The Daily Orange. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Wake Forest Adds Clark Lea as Linebacker Coach". Wake Forest University Athletics. February 17, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  14. ↑ Ironside, Nick (January 9, 2017). "Lea to join ND staff". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  15. ↑ Stankevitz, JJ (October 21, 2016). "Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick tells ESPN Brian Kelly will be back in 2017". NBC Sports Chicago. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  16. ↑ Vowles, Joshua (January 9, 2018). "Notre Dame Hires Clark Lea As The New Defensive Coordinator... What Does It Mean?". OneFootDown.com. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Vanderbilt Taps Lea to Lead Commodores". Vanderbilt University. December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  18. ↑ "2021 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  19. ↑ "2022 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Vanderbilt at Kentucky Box Score, November 12, 2022". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Florida at Vanderbilt Box Score, November 19, 2022". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  22. ↑ "'Vanderbilt is home': Coach Lea gets extension". ESPN.com. July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  23. ↑ Mago, Anish (November 26, 2023). "Vanderbilt trounced by No. 21 Tennessee, 48-24, limps to 2-10 finish". The Vanderbilt Hustler. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  24. ↑ Walker, Teresa M. (October 5, 2024). "Vanderbilt takes down No. 1 Alabama 40-35 in historic college football victory". AP News. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.