NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt football head coach Clark Lea has been named to the watch list for the 2024 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award.
Lea is one of 27 head coaches named to the list, including six other coaches from the Southeastern Conference. The award will be presented in January to the college football coach whose contributions make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field. The award is presented in conjunction with the American Heart Association.
With victories in four of its first six games, Vanderbilt is off to its best start since 2008 (5-1). Lea’s fourth season has seen the Commodores secure the program’s first victory over the nation’s top-ranked team, beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 on Oct. 5. The Dores kept the momentum going with a 20-13 win at Kentucky last week.
Vanderbilt did not trail against Alabama or Kentucky, the first time the Commodores have accomplished the feat in consecutive SEC games since at least 1960. In addition, Vandy did not record a three-and-out in either game, something which has not occurred in back-to-back league games since at least 2002.
In the historic win over the Crimson Tide, Vanderbilt converted 12-of-18 third-down opportunities and possessed the ball for 42:08. It is the first time an Alabama opponent held the ball for over 40 minutes in a game. Before the win, the Dores had been 0-60 against teams ranked in the Associated Press top five. The Kentucky victory the following week gave Vanderbilt consecutive wins in Lexington for the first time since 1992 and ’94.
Vanderbilt enters its seventh game of the season ranked among the top 20 nationally in third-down conversion percentage (10th, 51.3), interceptions thrown (second, one), red zone offense (ninth, 96 percent) and time of possession (14th, 32:44).
On the defensive side of the ball, Vanderbilt held Alabama to its lowest point total of the season at the time and recorded the first pick six against the Tide since 2022. Against Alcorn State, Vandy recorded its first shutout since 2019. The win over the Braves gave the Dores a 2-0 start in three consecutive seasons for the first time since 1941-43.
Many of the positive developments have come after Lea retooled the coaching staff following the 2023 season. In addition to taking over defensive coordinator duties, Lea hired a new offensive coordinator (Tim Beck), director of sports performance (Robert Stiner) and chief consultant (Jerry Kill).
With 11 new hires on the football coaching staff and over 50 new student-athletes on the roster, Lea’s Commodores have made history midway through the 2024 season.
Vanderbilt returns to the field Saturday at FirstBank Stadium, hosting Ball State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and tickets remain available.
