As Michigan continues its search for a new head coach to replace Sherrone Moore, a few prominent names are starting to fall off the board. Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham-both rumored targets-appear to be staying put. But according to college football analyst Joel Klatt, there’s another name the Wolverines should seriously consider: Clark Lea.
Yes, that Clark Lea-the head coach at Vanderbilt, who just signed a six-year contract extension in November and is deeply tied to the Commodores as both a former player and now the face of the program. On the surface, it might seem like a long shot.
But Klatt isn’t focused on the complications-he’s looking at the fit. And from a football standpoint, Lea checks a lot of boxes.
Why Clark Lea is on Michigan’s Radar
Since taking over at Vanderbilt in 2021, Lea has quietly engineered one of the more impressive rebuilds in the SEC. His 26-35 overall record doesn’t jump off the page, but it doesn’t tell the full story either.
What does? The trajectory.
Over the past two seasons, Lea has guided the Commodores to back-to-back bowl appearances-something that’s far from routine in Nashville. This year, Vanderbilt finished 10-2, a mark that has them heading into the ReliaQuest Bowl with serious momentum. Last season, they went 7-6 and capped it off with a 35-27 win over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl.
That kind of turnaround at a program like Vanderbilt isn’t just rare-it’s borderline historic. And perhaps more importantly, Lea has done it without drama.
No scandals. No off-field distractions.
Just steady progress and a clear identity.
That’s exactly the kind of leadership Michigan could use right now.
Michigan Needs Stability-Lea Delivers It
Let’s be clear: Michigan isn’t hurting for wins. The Wolverines have been a powerhouse in the Big Ten and a perennial College Football Playoff contender. But with recent changes in the coaching staff and plenty of noise surrounding the program off the field, this next hire isn’t just about maintaining success-it’s about sustaining it in a stable, drama-free environment.
Lea’s track record suggests he could bring that. He’s methodical, disciplined, and respected.
He’s shown he can build a culture, develop talent, and compete in one of the toughest conferences in college football. And he’s done it all while keeping the focus on football.
The Loyalty Factor
Of course, the biggest challenge in prying Lea away from Vanderbilt isn’t financial-it’s emotional. He played linebacker for the Commodores from 2002 to 2004.
This is his alma mater. This is the program that gave him his first head coaching opportunity.
That kind of loyalty runs deep, and it’s not easy to walk away from.
Just look at Kenny Dillingham. The Arizona State head coach has deep ties to the Sun Devils and has made it clear he’s committed to building something long-term in Tempe. Lea may feel the same about Vanderbilt.
But if Michigan comes calling, it’s worth watching. Because while Clark Lea might not be the flashiest name on the coaching carousel, he’s earned a reputation as one of the most grounded, forward-thinking leaders in the college game. And for a program like Michigan-one that’s looking to pair on-field success with long-term stability-that could be exactly what they need.