This is not something we wanted to hear, but knew it was inevitable. Holding onto high-level coordinators doesn’t happen too often, especially when an alma mater comes calling. In a report by Yahoo Sports Pete Thamel, it looks as if Irish defensive coordinator Clark Lea will head off to Vanderbilt.
Sources: Clark Lea expected to be the next coach at Vanderbilt. He's been identified as the target of the search and a deal is expected soon. https://t.co/UGtaFWX43N
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 14, 2020
Lea has been in South Bend since 2017, starting out as linebackers coach before being elevated to defensive coordinator in 2018. The resurgence of the Irish can be directly attributed to his leadership. The Irish have the nation’s 12th-ranked defense heading into the ACC Championship game this year. It was ranked 14th last year and 9th in 2018.
Lea has earned the right to become a head coach.
Unfortunately, it will not be for Notre Dame, but instead where Lea played his collegiate ball. This will not be an easy job for Lea: The Commodores have gone 0-9 this year; a matchup with Georgia remains.
What remains to be seen is if the Irish will be left short-handed in their quest for an ACC title and a berth in the College Football Playoffs. Normally, when a coordinator takes another job, and they’re in the CFP hunt, the coach stays with his current program until they either win the championship or are eliminated.
With the early signing period starting on Wednesday, however, Lea will have his hands tied. Does he jump ship and start his rebuild or will he stick it out with Brian Kelly for the remainder of the season? Hopefully, the latter since the Irish have a legit chance to bring home multiple trophies back to South Bend.
If this is true, we wish Lea the best. These last three years have been amazing, with the Irish defense being one of the best in the country during his time as the defensive coordinator.