TL;DR
- CBS Sports projects Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea as an ideal candidate for the Penn State opening.
- Lea's adaptability and strategic thinking are highlighted as key strengths for modern college football.
- He has significantly transformed Vanderbilt, leading them to a 7-6 record and a current 8-2 standing.
- Vanderbilt's No. 14 ranking is their best since 2010, with Lea's name likely remaining a discussion topic.
When Penn State last changed coaches, they hired their next leader from Vanderbilt. A fresh national forecast indicates the Nittany Lions might take a comparable route as they get ready to succeed James Franklin.
This week, new projections from CBS Sports indicate that Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea was a “ideal candidate” candidate for The Penn State opening. His flexibility and strategic thinking in a period marked by frequent roster changes and transfer portal instability are significant advantages.
“Lea has shown a rare ability to diagnose shortcomings within his program and address them head-on,” the projection notes, adding that his capacity to evolve “represents exactly the traits required to build and sustain success in modern college football.”
Lea's ascent has captured national attention. Hailing from Nashville, a former walk-on for The Commodores, and now a first-time head coach at his alma mater, he took over one of the SEC's most struggling programs. However, through enhanced recruiting, roster improvement, and the addition of quarterback Diego Pavia, he has orchestrated one of the sport's most significant transformations.
In 2024, Vanderbilt achieved a 7-6 record, notably defeating No. 1 Alabama. This season, they've compiled an 8-2 record to date. The Commodores currently hold the No. 14 ranking, their best standing since 2010, and are striving for their first 10-win season in over seventy years.
Vanderbilt would face a considerable blow if they lost another promising coach, especially as they're beginning to significantly increase their investment in athletics. However, given Penn State's broad search strategy, Lea's name will likely remain a topic of discussion.
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