Another LSU Tigers Coaching Target Off The Board As Vanderbilt Extends Clark Lea

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The LSU Tigers have been focused heavily on bringing Lane Kiffin over from the Ole Miss Rebels, so much so that they have now seen a couple of potential top coaching targets ink new contracts with their current schools and leave the cycle.

First, it was Eli Drinkwitz signing a new deal through 2031 with the Missouri Tigers. Now, the Vanderbilt Commodores extend Clark Lea.

ESPN's Pete Thamel broke the news on Friday morning that Lea would be getting a new contract from the Commodores for the next six years. That takes another top potential option off the board for the Tigers.

It was always going to be a long shot to take Lea away from Vanderbilt, anyway, as it seems they have a huge commitment to building out their football program. Shortly after the extension was announced, Georgia Bulldogs five-star quarterback commit Jared Curtis was flipping to the Commodores.

Lea has done a fantastic job of turning the program around over the last two seasons. He earned notoriety for his work as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2020 and has now turned his alma mater into a competitive SEC school.

As of Friday, LSU remains in the running for its top target in Kiffin. It does not appear that they have had much contact with outside schools. If Kiffin does decide to stay with the Rebels, they could quickly turn to either Jon Sumrall or Kenny Dillingham. There is also the chance of a mystery option that hasn't been reported much, similar to Brian Kelly in the last coaching search.

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