Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea hugs Notre Dame's Michael Vinson (65) before an NCAA college football game against Louisville, in Louisville, Ky., in this Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, file photo. Vanderbilt is negotiating a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea to make the former Commodores player its new head coach. Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press details of a contract were still being worked out but Lea was the school's top choice. (Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune via AP)

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea greets players during warmups before Saturday's Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., in this April 13, 2019, photo. Vanderbilt is negotiating a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea to make the former Commodores player its new head coach. Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press details of a contract were still being worked out but Lea was the school's top choice. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, left, and defensive coordinator Clark Lea sing and celebrate Notre Dame's 30-27 win over USC in an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., in this Oct. 12, 2019, file photo. Vanderbilt is negotiating a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea to make the former Commodores player its new head coach. Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press details of a contract were still being worked out but Lea was the school's top choice. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)

Notre Dame NCAA college football defensive coordinator Clark Lea is shown during spring practice in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, March 2, 2019. Vanderbilt is negotiating a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea to make the former Commodores player its new head coach. Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press details of a contract were still being worked out but Lea was the school's top choice. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)

FILE - Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea steps off the team bus before an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. Vanderbilt is negotiating a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea to make the former Commodores football player its new head coach. Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press details of a contract were still being worked out but Lea was the school's top choice.(Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP, File)