Clark Lea of Vanderbilt football wins second straight SEC Coach of the Year

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Vanderbilt football's Clark Lea was named SEC Coach of the Year, the league announced Dec. 10.

Lea won the award after leading the Commodores to their best season ever with a 10-2 record. It was the first time they have ever won 10 games in program history.

Vanderbilt was ranked in the top 15 for much of the season though ultimately failed to qualify for the College Football Playoff. The Commodores will face Iowa (8-4) in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 31 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN).

After a 2-10 season in 2023, Lea brought in quarterback Diego Pavia, tight end Eli Stowers, offensive coordinator Tim Beck and special advisor Jerry Kill from New Mexico State. Vanderbilt finished 7-6 in 2024 before the true breakout in 2025.

Lea was also named SEC Coach of the Year in 2024. He is one of seven coaches to win the award in back-to-back years, joining Kirby Smart (2021-22), Nick Saban (2008-09), Steve Spurrier (1995-96), Pat Dye (1987-88), Bear Bryant (1964-65, 1978-79) and Johnny Vaught (1947-48, 1954-55).

Lea recently signed an extension to remain with the Commodores after previously having interest from other schools with coaching openings.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Clark Lea of Vanderbilt football is SEC Coach of the Year

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