Clark Lea is no stranger to the grind. Even back when he was Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, he’d clock around 100 hours a week, buried in game plans, film, and adjustments. That obsession? It didn’t budge when he took the Vanderbilt gig. And by 2024, he was pulling double duty as head coach and defensive play-caller. The results were promising—Vanderbilt’s defense had its moments, but at what cost? Running a program in the SEC is like playing chess on roller skates. If you’re too locked in on one piece, you might not realize the board is shifting underneath you. Lea’s 2024 season made one thing clear: trying to juggle both roles was asking for too much.
Now, the 40-35 Bama slayer will likely improve from their 7-6 season. Heading into 2025, he made the call—literally—to step away from the headset. Vanderbilt promoted Steve Gregory to DC, while linebackers coach Nick Lezynski stepped up as co-DC. It’s a move designed to let Clark Lea focus on being the CEO of the program rather than its primary tactician. The insiders on That SEC Podcast had strong opinions on the shift, and they didn’t shy away from what’s at stake. “Mike, you know what’s gonna happen,” they said. “It’s either A, he’s gonna look like a hero, or B, you know, week five we’re gonna hear Coach Lea taking over the defensive calling again.”
The reality is that while Gregory and Lezynski are respected, neither has been a full-time SEC defensive coordinator before. This isn’t some lateral move—this is a bet on growth, both for the staff and for Vanderbilt’s trajectory as a program. For Lea, the choice wasn’t just about convenience. It was about sustainability.
“If Vanderbilt’s going to be a true contender year after year, Mike, you got to be the CEO,” the podcasters continued. “You can’t focus on one side.” The Commodores don’t have the resources of an Alabama or Georgia, where the HC can micromanage a unit while still trusting an army of analysts to hold the rest together.
Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea walks the sidelines against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt’s path to success means maximizing every inch of the roster, staff, and infrastructure. By delegating defensive responsibilities, Lea is betting on a more balanced approach to long-term competitiveness. And with a 16-33 overall record in his tenure, he knows that ‘long-term’ isn’t always a luxury coaches like him get. While the structural shifts are drawing mixed reactions, there’s one massive win for Vanderbilt that Clark Lea made sure to highlight—Eli Stowers is back.
The former quarterback-turned-tight-end had the option to declare for the NFL Draft, but instead, he’s returning for another season in Nashville. Lea didn’t mince words when discussing the importance of that decision. “It’s huge,” the HC said to the media after their spring practice on Tuesday. “He’s an NFL player. This year will do him really well because last year was his first full-time year in the tight end room. Now, he’s had a winter, a spring, and a summer to train in that position.” Stowers’ development isn’t just a storyline—it’s a tangible sign that Vanderbilt’s player retention is improving, something that hasn’t been a given in recent years.
Lea made sure to bring up past examples that painted a different picture. “Looking back at 2021 and 2022, guys like Tyler Steen finished at Alabama, Ray Davis at Kentucky, and both were combine invitees,” he said. The message was clear—Vanderbilt has had NFL talent, but too often, those players finished their careers elsewhere.
“We’ve had three since I’ve been here, but two finished elsewhere. Had we had the resources, Anfernee Orji should have been back too.” It’s a candid admission, one that underscores the challenges Vanderbilt has faced in keeping key players from bolting for bigger programs with deeper NIL pockets.
But in Stowers, they have proof that progress is happening. “Now, having Eli back is proof that we’re creating an environment our players believe in while making it make sense for them from an NIL standpoint.” For all the talk about Vanderbilt’s trajectory, 2025 will be the real test.
Can Gregory and Lezynski rise to the occasion as defensive leaders? Will Lea’s shift to a more CEO-like role translate into on-field success? And can the Commodores finally hold on to their top talent long enough to build something sustainable?
Clark Lea emphasizes retention and foundation
For Vandy’s head coach Clark Lea, that last year’s success wasn’t just a one-off—it’s something to build on. And as spring practices kick off, he’s making it clear: continuity is everything.
“You can’t put a value on it. That applies to staff and team retention, and both require resources,” Lea said. He praised athletic director Candice Lee and the administration for their commitment to keeping things moving forward. But he knows that to truly sustain success, the Commodores can’t be stuck in a constant cycle of turnover
“My job is to push for more because sustaining success means not cycling in and out. Retention helps us elevate,” he explained. Lea pointed to players like Brian Longwell, Langston Patterson, Nick Renaldi, and Junior Cheryl—guys who were recruited, developed, and now represent the program’s progress. That’s what builds a strong foundation, not just patching gaps year after year.
And with his starting QB1 Diego Pavia returning, Lea is even more optimistic. “Diego was on the periphery last year, but now he’s a leader with a proven ability to guide this program.” The message is clear: Vanderbilt isn’t just trying to win.
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