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Clark Lea addresses how he handles coaching rumors with Vanderbilt players: 'My fight is for this program'

Danby: Daniel Hager2 hours agoDanielHagerOn3
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© Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Vanderbilt is in the midst of one of its best seasons in program history. The Commodores currently sit at 8-2, boasting at least eight wins for the first time since they won nine under former head coach James Franklin in both 2012 and 2013. If Clark Lea‘s program can take down both Kentucky and No. 20 Tennessee in its final two games, it will secure its first 10-win campaign in program history.

Due to the program’s success, many have thrown Lea’s name into the coaching carousel. With openings at marquee programs such as LSU, Florida, Penn State, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State, Lea has been floated as a potential candidate at multiple programs.

During a media opportunity on Thursday, Lea discussed how he handles the rumors with his players amidst the strong season.

“My fight is for this program first, and they know that,” Lea said. “We don’t talk about anything external, but we stay focused on where we are, who we are, and the climb we’re on. They’ve been incredible that way. You’ve got to be careful sometimes with how rumors can start and where they come from. Once you start addressing one, you almost leave yourself susceptible to having address all of them. And then what have we done? We’ve brought external to the internal and lost our focus.”

“So the fight remains for this program. This is a critical point in time for Vanderbilt Football. I do feel that way, and it’s a time for push and big vision. It’s a launching point forward. My role requires that everyday I’m where my feet are, and that I’m pouring into this team in ways that they feel my focus and intentionality. We haven’t had any issues in that way.”

Vanderbilt was slotted at No. 14 in Tuesday night’s updated College Football Playoff Rankings. With two games left in the regular season, the ‘Dores control their own destiny. If they can win their final two games, their 10-2 resume with wins over No. 22 Missouri, potentially No. 20 Tennessee, South Carolina, and LSU might be enough to clinch a spot in the CFP for the first time ever.

Before dreams of the CFP become a reality however, Vanderbilt will have to hold off a suddenly resurgent Kentucky team Saturday afternoon in Nashville. The Wildcats have won seven of the last nine meetings against the Commodores, but Vanderbilt won last year’s game in Lexington 20-13.