Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea recently signed a six-year contract extension with the Commodores, as reported by Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.
While the exact financial details of Lea’s new contract are unknown, it’s reported that he will receive a significant salary increase, with a lot of bonus and reward-based components contingent on the program’s success.
Lea’s contract extension comes amidst the rumors of his potential departure from Vanderbilt, as he’s been linked to multiple programs, especially Penn State. This prompted a lot of fans to react on X, writing:
NEW: Clark Lea and Vanderbilt have agreed to a new six-year contract extension, @PeteNakos reports⚓️https://t.co/0arglt3qQx pic.twitter.com/KuzeYbcDJt
— On3 (@On3sports) November 28, 2025
“Penn state is so cooked”, wrote a fan.
“Penn State and LSU (plus maybe Florida) are making coaches money this year! “, stated a fan.
“Clark is loyal to his school”, said a fan.
“Good for Vandy, he’s done a great job there. Thought Penn State might want him”, stated another fan
“Buddy really passed on much better jobs. Vandy will be a doormat again in a few years”, remarked a fan.
A lot of fans also showed concern for other CFB programs looking for a head coach.
“Who does LSU turn to now” commented a fan.
“Lane stays. Florida hires Brian Kelly. Lsu hires Billy Napier”, predicted a fan.
Sources: Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea has agreed to a new six-year deal to stay with the Commodores, which includes a significant salary increase. The deal includes numerous assets for the program to continue Vanderbilt football’s upward trend. pic.twitter.com/ijqESQ5Nrq
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 28, 2025
Clark Lea currently has an overall record of 25-35 and an SEC record of 12-29. The Commodores also played their first bowl game in six years under the stewardship of Lea in 2024 and currently hold a 9-2 overall record and a 5-2 conference record, standing fifth in the SEC.
Kalen DeBoer Emerges as The New Front-Runner For Penn State’s Vacancy
Lea was a top candidate for Penn State’s head coaching vacancy after James Franklin’s dismissal, with ESPN’s Greg McElroy calling him in a “really good position” due to Vanderbilt’s 9-2 record.
With Lea touted to stay at Vanderbilt, Penn State’s coaching search has most definitely taken a hit after firing James Franklin earlier this season.
However, Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer has come up as a leading name as far as the Nittany Lions’ head coach position is concerned. With Alabama’s offensive coordinator Jamarcus Shephard set to join Oregon State as their head coach, a lot of fans have predicted Kalen DeBoer’s departure, too.
Also Read:
- Analyst Predicts SEC Coach As James Franklin’s Replacement at Penn State and It’s Not Lane Kiffin
- “Is Clark Lea Gone?”: Fans Draw Conspiracy Theories As Diego Pavia’s Potential Successor Decommits From Vanderbilt
- Penn State Coaching Search: Josh Pate Reveals 4 Leading Candidates to Replace James Franklin Ft. Mike Elko
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