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Source: Vanderbilt to Hire Clark Lea as Next Head Coach

Vanderbilt is planning to hire Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea as its next head coach, according to Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde.

Lea, 38, is on the cusp of helping to lead the Fighting Irish to their second College Football Playoff appearance in three years. He has been with Notre Dame since 2017 and been the team's defensive coordinator since 2018. This season, Notre Dame's defense ranks 12th nationally in points allowed per game (17.1) and 14th nationally in total defense (314.5 yards per game).

The move serves as a homecoming for Lea, who is from Nashville, Tenn.