Nick Lezynski, Co-Defensive Coordinator - Vanderbilt

Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sat down with Nick Lezynski, Linebackers Coach at Vanderbilt University.

Coach Lezynski shares his coaching journey, from his playing days at Notre Dame to breaking into the profession at Holy Cross, and eventually reuniting with Clark Lea at Vanderbilt. He also dives into the importance of building strong relationships with players and coaches, and reflects on being named to the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

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⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:29 – Why coaching? 03:45 – Playing both sides at Notre Dame 06:50 – First job at Holy Cross 11:20 – Early foresight into coaching 14:25 – Intern experience at Holy Cross 18:00 – Overcoming challenges & finding a niche 28:00 – Leaving Holy Cross 32:30 – Interview process at Lafayette 35:40 – Success in year one 37:45 – Return to Notre Dame 53:40 – Reuniting with Clark Lea at Vanderbilt 58:05 – AFCA 35 Under 35 experience 1:01:33 – Closing thoughts