Derek Mason
{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1969)}}
{{For|the American football wide receiver|Derrick Mason}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox college coach
| name = Derek Mason
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| current_title = Head coach
| current_team = Middle Tennessee
| current_conference = CUSA
| current_record = 3–9
| contract =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|9|29}}
| birth_place = Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| alma_mater =
| player_positions = Cornerback
| player_years1 = 1989–1992
| player_team1 = Northern Arizona
| coach_years1 = 1994
| coach_team1 = Mesa (AZ) (WR)
| coach_years2 = 1995–1996
| coach_team2 = Weber State (WR)
| coach_years3 = 1997–1998
| coach_team3 = Idaho State (RB)
| coach_years4 = 1999–2001
| coach_team4 = Bucknell (DB)
| coach_years5 = 2002
| coach_team5 = Utah (WR/ST)
| coach_years6 = 2003
| coach_team6 = Saint Mary's (AHC/co-DC)
| coach_years7 = 2004
| coach_team7 = New Mexico State (WR)
| coach_years8 = 2005–2006
| coach_team8 = Ohio (WR)
| coach_years9 = 2007–2009
| coach_team9 = Minnesota Vikings (asst. DB)
| coach_years10 = 2010
| coach_team10 = Stanford (DB)
| coach_years11 = 2011
| coach_team11 = Stanford (AHC/co-DC/DB)
| coach_years12 = 2012–2013
| coach_team12 = Stanford (AHC/DC)
| coach_years13 = 2014–2020
| coach_team13 = Vanderbilt
| coach_years14 = 2021
| coach_team14 = Auburn (DC)
| coach_years15 = 2022
| coach_team15 = Oklahoma State (DC)
| coach_years16 = 2024–present
| coach_team16 = Middle Tennessee
| overall_record = 30–64
| bowl_record = 0–2
| tournament_record =
| championships =
| awards =
| coaching_records =
}}
Derek Mason (born September 29, 1969) is an American college football coach who is currently the head football coach for Middle Tennessee State University. He previously served as head coach at Vanderbilt University from 2014 to 2020.
Early life and playing career
Mason attended Camelback High School in Phoenix, Arizona.{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=December 21, 2016 |title=Derek Mason's first coaching job, mentor set his philosophy |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/12/21/derek-masons-first-coaching-job-mentor-set-his-philosophy/95420920/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722191522/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/12/21/derek-masons-first-coaching-job-mentor-set-his-philosophy/95420920/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} After graduating from high school, he attended Northern Arizona University, where he was a four-year letterman and two-year starter at cornerback.{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Family Ties: Derek Mason is No Stranger to Arizona State Football |url=https://okstate.com/news/2022/9/9/cowboy-football-family-ties-derek-mason-is-no-stranger-to-arizona-state-football |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722191537/https://okstate.com/news/2022/9/9/cowboy-football-family-ties-derek-mason-is-no-stranger-to-arizona-state-football |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Oklahoma State University Athletics |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2014 |title=NAU Alum Derek Mason Named Head Football Coach at Vanderbilt University |url=https://nauathletics.com/news/2014/1/20/1_20_2014_540 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722191528/https://nauathletics.com/news/2014/1/20/1_20_2014_540 |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Northern Arizona University Athletics |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2014 |title=What they're saying about Derek Mason |url=https://vucommodores.com/what-they-re-saying-about-derek-mason/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722191526/https://vucommodores.com/what-they-re-saying-about-derek-mason/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Vanderbilt University Athletics |language=en-US}}
Coaching career
After his playing career ended, Mason coached college football at Mesa Community College,{{Cite web |last=Hills |first=Drake |date=June 1, 2020 |title=Vanderbilt's Derek Mason: Osia Lewis was able to keep me grounded |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2020/06/01/osia-lewis-vanderbilt-football-derek-mason/5304894002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722191524/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2020/06/01/osia-lewis-vanderbilt-football-derek-mason/5304894002/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} Weber State,{{Cite web |date=August 11, 1995 |title=WEBER APPOINTS 3 TO FOOTBALL STAFF |url=https://www.deseret.com/1995/8/11/19187066/weber-appoints-3-to-football-staff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205080612/https://www.deseret.com/1995/8/11/19187066/weber-appoints-3-to-football-staff |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Deseret News |language=en}} Bucknell,{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2022 |title=Frank Solich, Karl Dorrell remember young Derek Mason |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/cowboys/2022/03/22/oklahoma-state-football-derek-mason-career-resume-defensive-coordinator/7096711001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722191534/https://www.oklahoman.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oklahoman.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Fcowboys%2F2022%2F03%2F22%2Foklahoma-state-football-derek-mason-career-resume-defensive-coordinator%2F7096711001%2F |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=The Oklahoman}} Utah,{{Cite web |date=May 4, 2019 |title=Derek Mason |url=https://vucommodores.com/coach/derek-mason-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529211041/https://vucommodores.com/coach/derek-mason-2/ |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Vanderbilt University Athletics |language=en-US}} St. Mary's,{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2014 |title=Vanderbilt names Stanford DC Mason coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10311819/vanderbilt-commodores-name-derek-mason-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722192530/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10311819/vanderbilt-commodores-name-derek-mason-coach |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} New Mexico State,{{Cite web |title=Derek Mason – Football Coach |url=https://auburntigers.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/derek-mason/3694 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722192531/https://auburntigers.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/derek-mason/3694 |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Auburn University Athletics |language=en}} and Ohio.{{Cite web |title=Derek Mason |url=https://gostanford.com/staff-directory/derek-mason/401 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111004659/https://gostanford.com/staff-directory/derek-mason/401 |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Stanford University Athletics |language=en}} From 2007 to 2009, he coached defensive backs for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL under Brad Childress, who had been one of his coaches at Northern Arizona.{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Chris |date=January 12, 2023 |title=OK State's Mason taking sabbatical from coaching |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35432672/oklahoma-state-dc-derek-mason-taking-sabbatical-coaching |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117063128/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35432672/oklahoma-state-dc-derek-mason-taking-sabbatical-coaching |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2014 |title=Vanderbilt's Derek Mason praises Rutherford athletes |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2014/04/29/vanderbilt-derek-mason/8497713/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722192531/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2014/04/29/vanderbilt-derek-mason/8497713/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}
=Stanford=
In 2010, Mason was hired as defensive backs coach on Jim Harbaugh's staff at Stanford. In 2011, Mason was promoted to associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator under new head coach David Shaw.{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Joe |author-link=Joe Schad |date=January 17, 2014 |title=Source: Vanderbilt offers Stanford's Mason |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10308919/derek-mason-stanford-cardinal-favorite-land-head-coaching-job-vanderbilt-commodores |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206025330/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10308919/derek-mason-stanford-cardinal-favorite-land-head-coaching-job-vanderbilt-commodores |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} In 2012, Mason became the sole defensive coordinator for the Cardinal and was a finalist for the Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.{{Cite magazine |date=December 4, 2012 |title=Notre Dame's Diaco wins 2012 Broyles Award |url=https://www.si.com/college/2012/12/04/bob-diaco-notre-dame-broyles-award-ap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722192558/https://www.si.com/college/2012/12/04/bob-diaco-notre-dame-broyles-award-ap |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Connolly |first=Oliver |date=July 5, 2016 |title=Film study: What the SEC can learn from defensive guru Derek Mason |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/what-sec-can-learn-from-defensive-guru-derek-mason/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815032100/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/what-sec-can-learn-from-defensive-guru-derek-mason/ |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}} In 2013, the defensive coordinator position was endowed and named the Willie Shaw Director of Defense,{{Cite web |last=Chambers |first=Randy |date=April 5, 2013 |title=Stanford Football: Cardinal Name DC Position After David Shaw's Father |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1594184-stanford-football-cardinal-name-dc-position-after-david-shaws-father-willie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722192532/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1594184-stanford-football-cardinal-name-dc-position-after-david-shaws-father-willie |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}
=Vanderbilt=
On January 17, 2014, Vanderbilt hired Mason as its new head football coach, succeeding James Franklin.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=John |date=January 17, 2014 |title=Vandy official confirms hiring of Derek Mason |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/college-football/news/vandy-official-confirms-hiring-of-derek-mason |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722192532/https://www.nbcsports.com/college-football/news/vandy-official-confirms-hiring-of-derek-mason |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} With the hire, Vanderbilt is the first and only school in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to have multiple minority head football coaches in its history. After back–to–back home losses, Mason won his first game as head coach against UMass by a score of 34–31.{{Cite web |title=Massachusetts at Vanderbilt Box Score, September 13, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-13-vanderbilt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406093412/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-13-vanderbilt.html |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Vanderbilt had been outscored 10–78 in the two games prior to the win.{{Cite web |last=Kirk |first=Jason |date=September 13, 2014 |title=Even UMass picking on Vandy! |url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/9/13/6144417/umass-fake-punt-touchdown-vanderbilt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917050541/https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/9/13/6144417/umass-fake-punt-touchdown-vanderbilt |archive-date=September 17, 2018 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=SBNation.com}} The Commodores struggled offensively for much of the season. Vanderbilt did not score an offensive touchdown for nine quarters and was the last Division I team to reach the end zone on offense.{{Cite web |title=UMass vs. Vanderbilt – Box Score – September 13, 2014 – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400548109 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082845/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=400548109 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} With victories over Charleston Southern and Old Dominion, he finished the season with a 3–9 record.{{Cite web |title=2014 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2014-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031247/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2014-schedule.html |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
After a disappointing first season in Nashville, Mason fired both his offensive and defensive coordinators.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2014 |title=Vandy cans coordinator, two assistants |url=https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2014/dec/04/vandy-cans-coordinator-two-assistants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193055/https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2014/dec/04/vandy-cans-coordinator-two-assistants/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=WholeHogSports.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=December 8, 2014 |title=Vanderbilt fires defensive coordinator David Kotulski |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2014/12/08/vanderbilt-fires-defensive-coordinator-david-kotulski/20086335/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193032/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2014/12/08/vanderbilt-fires-defensive-coordinator-david-kotulski/20086335/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} He hired Andy Ludwig, formerly the offensive coordinator at Wisconsin, to run the offense. Mason decided to call the defensive plays himself.{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=January 5, 2015 |title=Vandy hires OC Andy Ludwig; Derek Mason to call defense |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2015/01/05/vandy-hires-offensive-coordinator-andy-ludwig-derek-mason-call-defense/21298483/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193033/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2015/01/05/vandy-hires-offensive-coordinator-andy-ludwig-derek-mason-call-defense/21298483/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}
His second season saw moderate growth for Vanderbilt, culminating in a 4–8 record with numerous firsts for the young head coach.{{Cite web |title=2015 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2015-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711085301/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2015-schedule.html |archive-date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Mason earned his first win against an SEC opponent (10–3 victory over Missouri){{Cite web |title=Missouri at Vanderbilt Box Score, October 24, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-24-vanderbilt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608171354/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-24-vanderbilt.html |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} and his first win while on the road (17–13 victory over Middle Tennessee State University).{{Cite web |title=Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee State Box Score, October 3, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-03-middle-tennessee-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608171503/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-03-middle-tennessee-state.html |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The team was praised for a nationally respected defensive scheme, but the Commodores were unable to perform equally well with their offensive or special team capabilities.{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=October 28, 2015 |title=Strong Vanderbilt defense has slowed top-15 offenses |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2015/10/28/strong-vanderbilt-defense-has-slowed-top-15-offenses/74741336/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193035/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2015/10/28/strong-vanderbilt-defense-has-slowed-top-15-offenses/74741336/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |website=The Tennessean}}
Mason continued his role as head coach and defensive coordinator in his third season at Vanderbilt, leading the Commodores to a 6–6 (3–5 SEC) record in 2016, earning bowl eligibility for the first time as a head coach.{{Cite web |title=2016 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2016-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701133155/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2016-schedule.html |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Mason won his first SEC road game on October 15 at Georgia by the final score of 17–16.{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=October 15, 2016 |title=How Vanderbilt beat Georgia 17–16 |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/10/15/live-vanderbilt-georgia/92033968/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193034/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/10/15/live-vanderbilt-georgia/92033968/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} The Commodores nearly picked up another road win against a ranked conference opponent on November 5 at Auburn, losing 23–16 after throwing a late interception at the opponents' 30 yard line in the final minute.{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Tom |date=November 5, 2016 |title=Rewinding Auburn's 23–16 win against Vanderbilt |url=https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2016/11/auburn_vs_vanderbilt_score_upd.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193036/https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2016/11/auburn_vs_vanderbilt_score_upd.html |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=AL.com |language=en}} After a disappointing loss to Missouri the next week,{{Cite web |title=Vanderbilt at Missouri Box Score, November 12, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-11-12-missouri.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528024119/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-11-12-missouri.html |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} the Commodores needed to beat both Ole Miss and Tennessee at home in the team's final two games of the season to assure themselves of bowl eligibility, though they would have still reached a bowl with a 5–7 record based on a high Academic Performance Rating (APR), which determines the bowl eligibility of five win teams for open bowl slots.{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=October 25, 2016 |title=Vanderbilt could get bowl bid at 5–7 thanks to academics |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/10/25/vanderbilt-could-get-bowl-bid-5-7-thanks-academics/92680508/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193537/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/10/25/vanderbilt-could-get-bowl-bid-5-7-thanks-academics/92680508/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} APR became a non-factor as the Commodores upset both Ole Miss and Tennessee at home in back-to-back games to end the regular season with a 6–6 record on the strength of three conference wins.{{Cite web |title=Ole Miss at Vanderbilt Box Score, November 19, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-11-19-vanderbilt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601144928/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-11-19-vanderbilt.html |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Strange |first=Mike |date=November 26, 2016 |title=Sweet turns sour: Vanderbilt rallies past Tennessee, 45–34 |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2016/11/26/vanderbilt-rallies-45-34-win/94485542/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708202758/https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2016/11/26/vanderbilt-rallies-45-34-win/94485542/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}} Vandy scored a combined 83 points in the two wins as the offense came alive late in the season. Mason's dancing on the sideline and post-game celebration after defeating Tennessee were widely shared on Twitter and ESPN.{{Cite web |last=Tapp |first=Connor |date=November 26, 2016 |title=Derek Mason was feeling himself after Vandy beat Tennessee |url=https://247sports.com/article/derek-mason-was-feeling-himself-after-his-vandy-team-beat-tennessee-49317070/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193539/https://247sports.com/Article/derek-mason-was-feeling-himself-after-his-vandy-team-beat-tennessee-49317070/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=February 22, 2019 |website=247Sports.com}}
Under Mason, redshirt junior linebacker Zach Cunningham became a national finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation's best collegiate linebacker.{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2016 |title=Cunningham named finalist for prestigious Butkus Award |url=https://vucommodores.com/cunningham-named-finalist-for-prestigious-butkus-award/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193604/https://vucommodores.com/cunningham-named-finalist-for-prestigious-butkus-award/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Vanderbilt University Athletics |language=en-US}} He was Mason's first player at Vanderbilt to be a consensus All-American.{{Cite web |last=D'Andrea |first=Christian |date=December 12, 2016 |title=Zach Cunningham named first-team All-American |url=https://www.anchorofgold.com/2016/12/12/13925916/zach-cunningham-named-first-team-all-american |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321050006/https://www.anchorofgold.com/2016/12/12/13925916/zach-cunningham-named-first-team-all-american |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Anchor Of Gold |language=en}}
Year four for Mason was a disappointing regression in the 2017 season. Despite an historic 3–0 start, including defeating a then 18th ranked Kansas State at home in week 3{{Cite web |last=Ammenheuser |first=David |date=September 16, 2017 |title=Vanderbilt football win over Kansas State one for the history books |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2017/09/16/vanderbilt-kansas-state-column/661360001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193538/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2017/09/16/vanderbilt-kansas-state-column/661360001/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=The Tennessean}} and ending a five-year losing streak of opening games since 2012, the Commodores finished 5–7 and were unable to play in a bowl game despite APR.{{Cite web |title=2017 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2017-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193538/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2017-schedule.html |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Derek Mason was unable to answer the Alabama Crimson Tide in week 4 with a 59–0 loss,{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2017 |title=Not even close: No. 1 Alabama runs all over Vanderbilt 59–0 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2017/09/23/not-even-close-no-1-alabama-runs-all-over-vanderbilt/696935001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004011647/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2017/09/23/not-even-close-no-1-alabama-runs-all-over-vanderbilt/696935001/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} and experienced a five-game losing streak until defeating Western Kentucky 31–17 in week 10.{{Cite web |title=Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt Box Score, November 4, 2017 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-11-04-vanderbilt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608171603/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-11-04-vanderbilt.html |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} However, despite their lackluster performance, Vanderbilt was able to defeat Tennessee, ensuring the Volunteers' first ever eight-loss season.{{Cite web |last=Stephenson |first=Creg |date=November 26, 2017 |title=Vanderbilt hands Tennessee its first 8-loss season |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2017/11/vanderbilt_wallops_tennessee_4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722193539/https://www.al.com/sports/2017/11/vanderbilt_wallops_tennessee_4.html |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=AL.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Toppmeyer |first=Blake |date=November 25, 2017 |title=Vandy 42, Tennessee 24: Vols lose eight games for first time in program history |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2017/11/25/ut-vols-football/890082001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528135851/https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2017/11/25/ut-vols-football/890082001/ |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}}
The 2018 season began with Mason considered on the hot seat, one of 10 coaches identified by ESPN to be facing this challenge.{{Cite web |last=Astleford |first=Andrew |date=January 3, 2018 |title=ESPN places 2 SEC coaches on hot seat for 2018 |url=https://www.seccountry.com/sec/espn-places-ed-orgeron-derek-mason-hot-seat-2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629211220/https://www.seccountry.com/sec/espn-places-ed-orgeron-derek-mason-hot-seat-2018 |archive-date=June 29, 2018 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=SEC Country}} He earned significant conference victories over Arkansas and Ole Miss.{{Cite web |title=Vanderbilt at Arkansas Box Score, October 27, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-27-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129185418/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-27-arkansas.html |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ole Miss at Vanderbilt Box Score, November 17, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-17-vanderbilt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608171557/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-17-vanderbilt.html |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He is the first Vanderbilt football coach to beat the Tennessee Volunteers three years in a row since Dan McGugin did it in 1924, 1925, and 1926.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Teresa M. |date=November 25, 2018 |title=Vandy beats rival Tennessee 38–13 for 2nd bowl in 3 seasons |url=https://apnews.com/article/733a1e3227c544e2a429c90026dd082b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817054656/https://apnews.com/article/733a1e3227c544e2a429c90026dd082b |archive-date=August 17, 2022 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=AP News |language=en}} Vanderbilt went 6–6 in the regular season and earned a spot in the Texas Bowl, where they lost 45–38 to Baylor.{{Cite web |title=2018 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2018-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326002614/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2018-schedule.html |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
The 2019 season saw significant regression for Vanderbilt and Mason. The team scored ten points or less in six of their 12 games.{{Cite web |title=2019 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2019-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329203230/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/2019-schedule.html |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The team went 3–9, with the lone conference victory coming in a 21–14 upset against Missouri.{{Cite web |title=Missouri at Vanderbilt Box Score, October 19, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-10-19-vanderbilt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608171628/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-10-19-vanderbilt.html |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
During the COVID-19-shortened conference-only 2020 season,{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2020 |title=SEC announces new 2020 football schedule |url=https://www.secsports.com/article/29682732/sec-announces-new-2020-football-schedule |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525231728/https://www.secsports.com/article/29682732/sec-announces-new-2020-football-schedule |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=SEC Sports}} Mason helped the program make history by introducing Sarah Fuller, the school's women's soccer goalkeeper, into a November 28 game against Missouri. Fuller was the first woman to play in a game for a Power Five conference team, kicking off the second half, although Fuller never got a chance to kick a field goal or an extra point that day with Vanderbilt falling to Missouri 41–0 and 0–8 on the season.{{Cite web |last=Walljasper |first=Joseph |date=November 28, 2020 |title=Vanderbilt K Fuller becomes first woman to play in Power 5 |url=https://apnews.com/article/college-football-missouri-tigers-football-columbia-michael-brown-football-12f7049744c2ce473b642576fba21c04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225232516/https://apnews.com/article/college-football-missouri-tigers-football-columbia-michael-brown-football-12f7049744c2ce473b642576fba21c04 |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Blum |first=Eric |date=November 28, 2020 |title=Three things we learned in Mizzou's 41–0 victory over Vanderbilt |url=https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/sports/2020/11/28/three-things-we-learned-mizzous-41-0-victory-over-vanderbilt/6381220002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812155900/https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/sports/2020/11/28/three-things-we-learned-mizzous-41-0-victory-over-vanderbilt/6381220002/ |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Columbia Daily Tribune |language=en-US}} Fuller's appearance was not enough to offset seven consecutive seasons with a losing record, and the next day Mason was fired.{{Cite web |last=Schlabach |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Schlabach |date=November 29, 2020 |title=Winless Vanderbilt dismisses Mason as coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30415830/vanderbilt-parts-derek-mason-coach-0-8-campaign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405075516/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30415830/vanderbilt-parts-derek-mason-coach-0-8-campaign |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Partially due to the COVID-19-shortened season, Mason became the first coach in school history to go winless in a season.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Sam |date=November 29, 2020 |title=With team 0–8, Vanderbilt fires head coach Derek Mason |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/vanderbilt-fires-head-coach-derek-mason-192943877.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528042835/https://sports.yahoo.com/vanderbilt-fires-head-coach-derek-mason-192943877.html |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-US}}
=Auburn=
On January 7, 2021, Mason was hired as the Auburn Tigers’ defensive coordinator.{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Jordan D. |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Auburn hires former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason as defensive coordinator |url=https://oanow.com/sports/college/auburn/auburn-hires-former-vanderbilt-head-coach-derek-mason-as-defensive-coordinator/article_10e7dc94-5144-11eb-83de-0b651b290e66.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818030959/https://oanow.com/sports/college/auburn/auburn-hires-former-vanderbilt-head-coach-derek-mason-as-defensive-coordinator/article_10e7dc94-5144-11eb-83de-0b651b290e66.html |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Opelika-Auburn News}}
=Oklahoma State=
On January 26, 2022, it was announced that Mason was hired as the next defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma State Cowboys after the departure of previous defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.{{Cite web |last=Rittenberg |first=Adam |date=January 26, 2022 |title=Sources: Oklahoma St. Set to hire Mason as DC |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/33151773/oklahoma-state-set-hire-derek-mason-new-defensive-coordinator |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605143723/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/33151773/oklahoma-state-set-hire-derek-mason-new-defensive-coordinator |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} Mason would not return for the following season.{{Cite web |last=Cobb |first=David |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Derek Mason won't return in 2023, announces coaching sabbatical |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/oklahoma-state-defensive-coordinator-derek-mason-wont-return-in-2023-announces-coaching-sabbatical/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313182312/https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/oklahoma-state-defensive-coordinator-derek-mason-wont-return-in-2023-announces-coaching-sabbatical/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}
=Middle Tennessee=
Mason was announced as the 15th head coach of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team on December 6, 2023.{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2023 |title=Mason named 15th head coach of Blue Raider football |url=https://goblueraiders.com/news/2023/12/6/football-mason-named-15th-head-coach-of-blue-raider-football.aspx |access-date=February 5, 2024 |website=Middle Tennessee State University Athletics |language=en}} Mason coached the Blue Raiders to a 3–9 mark in the 2024 season.{{Cite web |title=2024 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/middle-tennessee-state/2024-schedule.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}
Personal life
Mason and his wife, LeighAnne, have two daughters, Sydney and Makenzie.{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Jordan |date=August 27, 2014 |title=Meet the wives of the SEC East coaches |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/meet-sec-east-wives/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130232147/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/meet-sec-east-wives/ |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}} Makenzie was a lacrosse player for the University of Florida.{{Cite web |title=Makenzie Mason – 2018 Lacrosse Roster – Florida Gators |url=http://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=10647 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031010/http://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=10647 |archive-date=October 1, 2017 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=floridagators.com}}{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Adam |date=December 25, 2016 |title=How Derek Mason turned Vanderbilt around through doubt, fear and tears |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/12/25/vanderbilt-coach-derek-mason-turned-around-through-doubt-fear-and-tears/95451880/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722194039/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/12/25/vanderbilt-coach-derek-mason-turned-around-through-doubt-fear-and-tears/95451880/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}
Head coaching record
{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = no }}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Vanderbilt Commodores
| conf = Southeastern Conference
| startyear = 2014
| endyear = 2020
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = 2014
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 3–9
| conference = 0–8
| confstanding = 7th (Eastern)
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = 2015
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 4–8
| conference = 2–6
| confstanding = T–4th (Eastern)
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = 2016
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 6–7
| conference = 3–5
| confstanding = T–5th (Eastern)
| bowlname = Independence
| bowloutcome = L
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = 2017
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 5–7
| conference = 1–7
| confstanding = 6th (Eastern)
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = 2018
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 6–7
| conference = 3–5
| confstanding = 6th (Eastern)
| bowlname = Texas
| bowloutcome = L
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = 2019
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 3–9
| conference = 1–7
| confstanding = 7th (Eastern)
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = 2020
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 0–8*
| conference = 0–8*
| confstanding = (Eastern)
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Vanderbilt
| overall = 27–55
| confrecord = 10–46
}}*Fired after 8 games.
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Middle Tennessee
| conf = Conference USA
| startyear = 2024
| endyear =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2024
| name = Middle Tennessee
| overall = 3–9
| conference = 2–6
| confstanding = T–8th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| ranking = no
| ranking2 = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Middle Tennessee
| overall = 3–9
| confrecord = 2–6
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record End
| overall = 30–64
| bowls = no
| poll = no
| polltype =
| legend = no
}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/derek-mason-2.html Coaching statistics] at Sports Reference
- [https://goblueraiders.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/derek-mason/2031 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders bio]
{{Vanderbilt Commodores football coach navbox}}
{{Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football coach navbox}}
{{Conference USA football coach navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mason, Derek}}
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