Report: Florida interviewed Vanderbilt's Clark Lea for head coach opening

Our Summary
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea, who recently agreed to a six-year contract extension, interviewed for the Florida Gators' head coaching position, according to Chris Low of On3 Sports. Lea, 44, has led Vanderbilt to a 9-2 record in 2025 with a peak ranking of No. 9, marking a historic season for the Commodores. This follows a 2024 season where Vanderbilt achieved a 7-6 record and a Birmingham Bowl victory, their first winning season since 2013. Lea, a former Vanderbilt player, was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2024.
Florida's coaching search follows the dismissal of Billy Napier on October 19 after a 3-4 start to the season. The Gators have shown interest in several candidates, including Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, Tulane's Jon Sumrall, and Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, although Dillingham reportedly declined interest. James Franklin,
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