Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea has reportedly emerged as the favorite to become the next head football coach at Vanderbilt, his alma mater.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Chris Low reported Monday that Lea is the Commodores' "top target" and could be officially announced by midweek. Buffalo's Lance Leipold headlined the other contenders for the job.
Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports also reported Lea's status as the leading candidate for the position.
Lea has spent the past three years as the Fighting Irish's defensive coordinator following one season as the program's linebackers coach.