Vanderbilt’s new coaching staff under Clark Lea continues to come together as the Commodores have hired another familiar face to return to Nashville.

On Tuesday, Vanderbilt announced the hiring of former Commodore Norval McKenzie as the program’s new running backs coach. McKenzie previously served as the running backs coach at Louisville for two seasons and in the same role at Arkansas State for three seasons.

During his final season at Arkansas State, McKenzie was named a 2018 Broyles Award nominee — which is an award given out annually to the nation’s best assistant coach.

“Norval has always been a part of my vision for this program,” Lea shared on Tuesday to announce the hire. “A great teammate & friend, a caring father & husband, & a transformative coach. He is the total package. I am thrilled to have him back home as RB Coach/Run Game Coord. Welcome back to West End Norval & family!”

Coaching the running back position in Nashville should come naturally to McKenzie as he played running back for the Commodores from 2001-04. But it’s not just the game of football that has McKenzie’s passion, as he’s a three-time graduate of Vanderbilt.

In addition to McKenzie’s hiring, the Commodores announced the addition of assistant strength coach Ryan Bellerose and the decision to retain assistant strength coach Fahd Jindani.

Here is an updated look at Vanderbilt’s 2020 coaching staff:

  • David Raih – Offensive coordinator (not yet officially announced)
  • Jesse Minter – Defensive coordinator (not yet officially announced)
  • Justin Lustig – Special Teams Coordinator/Tight ends
  • Inoke Breckterfield – Defensive line
  • Norval McKenzie – Running backs
  • Jovan Haye – Defensive ends