Clark Lea Named Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Capping a Historic Season for Vanderbilt
In a season that’s already shattered expectations and rewritten the record books in Nashville, Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea just added another milestone to his résumé: the 2025 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award. The honor, presented by the Football Writers Association of America and the Allstate Sugar Bowl, marks the first time in program history that a Commodore head coach has been named National Coach of the Year.
Lea, who also became the first Vanderbilt coach to win SEC Coach of the Year in back-to-back seasons just last week, was chosen from a field of 11 finalists. He’ll officially receive the award-an iconic bust of the legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson-at a ceremony in Miami on January 17, 2026.
And frankly, it’s hard to argue with the selection.
Lea has engineered a remarkable turnaround in just a few seasons, guiding Vanderbilt to back-to-back bowl games and setting new school records along the way. This year’s squad enters the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa with a 10-2 record, including a 6-2 mark in SEC play-both program bests. The Commodores are currently ranked in the top 15 in both the AP and AFCA Coaches’ Polls, a level of national recognition that’s been rare in Nashville.
What’s more, Vanderbilt has been ranked in the AP Top 25 for 13 straight weeks, a school record. That streak began after a statement win on the road over then-No.
11/10 South Carolina back in September-a 31-7 rout that put the rest of the SEC on notice. That was just one of four ranked teams the Commodores knocked off this season, joining Tennessee, LSU, and Missouri on the list.
To put that into perspective: before this year, Vanderbilt had four total wins over ranked opponents in the previous 16 seasons combined.
Lea’s impact has been felt on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Commodores have been electric, averaging 39.4 points and 468.5 yards per game.
That kind of production has made them one of the most explosive units in college football. Defensively, they’ve been just as impressive-especially against the run-allowing just over 100 rushing yards per game.
But Lea’s influence extends beyond the field. Under his leadership, Vanderbilt is not only winning games but also producing standout individuals.
This season marked the first time since 1996 that the program featured multiple All-Americans. Quarterback Diego Pavia finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, and tight end Eli Stowers was awarded the prestigious William V.
Campbell Trophy®, which honors the nation’s top scholar-athlete in college football.
In November, Lea was also named the American Football Coaches Association Region 2 Coach of the Year, and he remains a finalist for the George Munger National Coach of the Year award.
It’s been a season to remember in Nashville, and Clark Lea is at the center of it all. From rebuilding the culture to redefining what’s possible for Vanderbilt football, he’s not just coaching a team-he’s building a legacy. And with one more game to play, the story of this historic season isn’t finished just yet.