Michigan Head Coach Update Spells Bad News for Nation’s Top Recruit

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As the College Football Playoff is set to begin, there is a big opening in the coaching carousel: the Michigan Wolverines.

The Michigan job suddenly opened after Sherrone Moore was fired due to an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer’s name was a rumor, but he has strongly shut down any talks of him leaving Tuscaloosa.

Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch, Los Angeles Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Cleveland Browns OC Tommy Rees are other names that have been linked to the opening.

Another name has emerged in the industry: Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea. Analyst Joel Klatt said Lea is an “interesting” name to keep an eye on.

With Lea’s name being mentioned as a potential option for Michigan, that is not good news for Vanderbilt.

Lea just landed a massive flip by bringing in Class of 2026 top quarterback prospect Jared Curtis. The five-star signal-caller flipped from Georgia to Vanderbilt to play for Lea.

After the decision, Curtis posted on social media expressing his excitement to play for Lea.

“I am excited to be a [Commodore] and excited to be part of building something here at home with Coach [Clark] Lea.”

There is serious buzz around Lea potentially going to Ann Arbor, and it wasn’t just Klatt.

Urban Meyer also pumped up the Lea-Michigan hype during an episode of “The Triple Option” podcast.

“You know the name (that intrigued me), I met him real quick at the Hall of Fame, is Clark Lea,” Meyer said. “You talk about a guy, I know Brady Quinn loves him, he was at Notre Dame… I don’t know much about him other than the job he’s done (at Vanderbilt), but when I saw that name show up, that made sense.”

If Lea does leave and heads for the Michigan job, it could mean Curtis backs out and re-opens his recruitment once again.

On3 has Curtis as the No. 1 QB in the class, so it was expected to be a massive addition for Vanderbilt with Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia finishing up his college career this season.

Related: Nick Saban Sends Strong Message After Acquiring Stake in NHL Franchise

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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