Clark Lea is making some big changes to his Vanderbilt coaching staff after a disappointing season. The team will have new coordinators for 2024.

Offensive coordinator Joey Lynch has been dismissed. Nick Howell has been demoted from the position of defensive coordinator, but will remain on staff as an assistant coach.

Lea is taking over as the Commodores defensive coordinator. He was Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator before returning to his alma mater to be VU’s head coach. There will be a national search to fill the OC vacancy.

“We had a season where our results and performance fell short of our expectations,” Lea said in a program release. “When that is the case, change is necessary. My background as a defensive coordinator will allow me to best serve our team by taking on that responsibility.”

“I’d like to thank Joey for his three years of dedication to our program,” Lea added. “I wish him all the best in the future.”

Howell will coach defensive backs. Vanderbilt announced that Dan Jackson will transition to an off-field role and Jamaal Richardson has been promoted to an assistant coach, working with Howell in the secondary.

In 2023, Vanderbilt went 2-10 and 0-8 for the second time in Lea’s tenure, bringing his record to 9-27 in 3 seasons. The Commodores were 5-7 in 2022.