DC: Derek Mason

[chizhead 618]

Everybody I listen to has great things to say about Mason. Starting to look/sound like he will do a really good job, and these people are former players and coaches. Warming up fast to this hire. Still on simmer with Bobo,though

[AUBwins 10,075]

Mason was a beast at Stanford in an offensive league. Here is his profile at Stanford. 

https://gostanford.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/derek-mason/356

With 2013 marking his fourth season on the Stanford staff, Derek Mason is Stanford’s Willie Shaw Director of Defense.

Stanford announced in April of 2013 that its defensive coordinator position had been endowed by a generous gift from an anonymous donor, named in honor of Willie Shaw, the former Cardinal defensive coordinator and father of head coach David Shaw.

The program’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator since 2011, Mason works closely with the Cardinal secondary personnel.

Mason led the Cardinal to consecutive top-15 national standings in defensive efficiency with steadfast efforts in 2011 and 2012.

Mason, a 2012 Broyles Award finalist, guided a 2012 Stanford defense that was not only one of the finest in the nation, but also one of the best in school history.

Mason’s leadership paved the way to a historic defensive output in 2012, breaking Stanford’s single-season sacks record (57) and pacing the Pac-12 in scoring defense (17.21), total defense (336.21), rushing defense (97.0), sacks (4.07) and tackles for loss (9.00).

Capped off by a Pac-12 title game victory and Rose Bowl crown, the 2012 Cardinal ranked first nationally in sacks, second in tackles for loss, fifth in rushing defense and 11th in scoring defense.

Over the last six games of 2012, Stanford held opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Stanford held eight of 13 opponents under 100 yards rushing in 2012, and in a string of three consecutive games, the Cardinal recorded three of its top-10 single-game rushing defense performances in school history: No. 3 at Colorado (minus-21 yards), No. 4 vs. Washington State (minus-18) and t-No.9 at California (three). The Cardinal set a school record by allowing only 76 offensive yards at Colorado.

In 11 of its 14 games, Stanford held its opponent to 20 or fewer points. That included a 14-point effort in the overtime win at top-ranked Oregon, who led the FBS with a 54.8 scoring average

With 2013 marking his fourth season on the Stanford staff, Derek Mason is Stanford’s Willie Shaw Director of Defense.

Stanford announced in April of 2013 that its defensive coordinator position had been endowed by a generous gift from an anonymous donor, named in honor of Willie Shaw, the former Cardinal defensive coordinator and father of head coach David Shaw.

The program’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator since 2011, Mason works closely with the Cardinal secondary personnel.

Mason led the Cardinal to consecutive top-15 national standings in defensive efficiency with steadfast efforts in 2011 and 2012.

Mason, a 2012 Broyles Award finalist, guided a 2012 Stanford defense that was not only one of the finest in the nation, but also one of the best in school history.

Mason’s leadership paved the way to a historic defensive output in 2012, breaking Stanford’s single-season sacks record (57) and pacing the Pac-12 in scoring defense (17.21), total defense (336.21), rushing defense (97.0), sacks (4.07) and tackles for loss (9.00).

Capped off by a Pac-12 title game victory and Rose Bowl crown, the 2012 Cardinal ranked first nationally in sacks, second in tackles for loss, fifth in rushing defense and 11th in scoring defense.

Over the last six games of 2012, Stanford held opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Stanford held eight of 13 opponents under 100 yards rushing in 2012, and in a string of three consecutive games, the Cardinal recorded three of its top-10 single-game rushing defense performances in school history: No. 3 at Colorado (minus-21 yards), No. 4 vs. Washington State (minus-18) and t-No.9 at California (three). The Cardinal set a school record by allowing only 76 offensive yards at Colorado.

In 11 of its 14 games, Stanford held its opponent to 20 or fewer points. That included a 14-point effort in the overtime win at top-ranked Oregon, who led the FBS with a 54.8 scoring average.
Mason’s defensive backs were pivotal to the historic defense’s efforts, including All-America Ed Reynolds and Rose Bowl Defensive MVP Usua Amanam. Reynolds ranked first nationally with 301 interception return yards, one yard short of the NCAA single-season record.

In his first season as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator, Mason’s 2011 defense ranked third nationally in rushing defense (84.38), sixth in third-down defense efficiency (31.10) and 11th in sacks (3.00).

Mason teamed with Jason Tarver to mold Stanford into one of the top defensive units in the Pac-12. The Cardinal ranked either first or second in the conference in six defensive categories, including rushing defense (1st - 84.4), third-down conversion defense (1st - 31.1), scoring defense (2nd - 21.9), total defense (2nd - 337.6), sacks-per-game (2nd - 3.00) and opponent first downs (2nd - 17.5). Stanford finished third nationally in rushing defense.

Mason’s 2010 secondary was one of the great turnaround stories in college football, leading Stanford to the 19th-best interceptions total (18) in the nation and 35th-ranked pass defense (202.0). Three players from that defensive backfield went on to play in the NFL.

Prior to his arrival at Stanford for the 2010 season, Mason served as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007-09, playing a vital role in the team ranking sixth in total defense in 2008 and 2009 as the Vikings won NFC North titles each season.

Mason was introduced to the NFL coaching circles through the Minority Fellowship program in 1996 with the St. Louis Rams and also spent time with the coaching staffs of the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. He joined the Vikings staff in 2007, where he worked with defensive backs coach Joe Woods.

Prior to joining the Vikings, Mason tutored the wide receivers at Ohio University under head coach Frank Solich and helped the Bobcats improve from 4-7 in 2005 to a 9-5 mark the following season, culminating in an appearance in the GMAC Bowl against Southern Mississippi.

Mason spent the 2004 season as the wide receivers coach at New Mexico State, where he helped the Aggies lead the conference in passing.

During the 2002 campaign, Mason mentored the receivers and assisted with the special teams at Utah. The Utes also featured the NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Paris Warren, who was selected in the seventh round.

Mason’s early stops in his coaching career included assignments at San Diego Mesa College (1994), Weber State (1995-96), Idaho State (1997-98) and Bucknell (1999-2001).

As a player, Mason was a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner at Northern Arizona.

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Mason attended Camelback High School. Derek and his wife, Leighanne, have two daughters, Makenzie and Sydney

.
Mason’s defensive backs were pivotal to the historic defense’s efforts, including All-America Ed Reynolds and Rose Bowl Defensive MVP Usua Amanam. Reynolds ranked first nationally with 301 interception return yards, one yard short of the NCAA single-season record.

In his first season as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator, Mason’s 2011 defense ranked third nationally in rushing defense (84.38), sixth in third-down defense efficiency (31.10) and 11th in sacks (3.00).

Mason teamed with Jason Tarver to mold Stanford into one of the top defensive units in the Pac-12. The Cardinal ranked either first or second in the conference in six defensive categories, including rushing defense (1st - 84.4), third-down conversion defense (1st - 31.1), scoring defense (2nd - 21.9), total defense (2nd - 337.6), sacks-per-game (2nd - 3.00) and opponent first downs (2nd - 17.5). Stanford finished third nationally in rushing defense.

Mason’s 2010 secondary was one of the great turnaround stories in college football, leading Stanford to the 19th-best interceptions total (18) in the nation and 35th-ranked pass defense (202.0). Three players from that defensive backfield went on to play in the NFL.

Prior to his arrival at Stanford for the 2010 season, Mason served as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007-09, playing a vital role in the team ranking sixth in total defense in 2008 and 2009 as the Vikings won NFC North titles each season.

Mason was introduced to the NFL coaching circles through the Minority Fellowship program in 1996 with the St. Louis Rams and also spent time with the coaching staffs of the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. He joined the Vikings staff in 2007, where he worked with defensive backs coach Joe Woods.

Prior to joining the Vikings, Mason tutored the wide receivers at Ohio University under head coach Frank Solich and helped the Bobcats improve from 4-7 in 2005 to a 9-5 mark the following season, culminating in an appearance in the GMAC Bowl against Southern Mississippi.

Mason spent the 2004 season as the wide receivers coach at New Mexico State, where he helped the Aggies lead the conference in passing.

During the 2002 campaign, Mason mentored the receivers and assisted with the special teams at Utah. The Utes also featured the NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Paris Warren, who was selected in the seventh round.

Mason’s early stops in his coaching career included assignments at San Diego Mesa College (1994), Weber State (1995-96), Idaho State (1997-98) and Bucknell (1999-2001).

As a player, Mason was a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner at Northern Arizona.

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Mason attended Camelback High School. Derek and his wife, Leighanne, have two daughters, Makenzie and Sydney

[dilligas 581]

20 minutes ago, AUBwins said:

Mason was a beast at Stanford in an offensive league. Here is his profile at Stanford. 

https://gostanford.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/derek-mason/356

With 2013 marking his fourth season on the Stanford staff, Derek Mason is Stanford’s Willie Shaw Director of Defense.

Stanford announced in April of 2013 that its defensive coordinator position had been endowed by a generous gift from an anonymous donor, named in honor of Willie Shaw, the former Cardinal defensive coordinator and father of head coach David Shaw.

The program’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator since 2011, Mason works closely with the Cardinal secondary personnel.

Mason led the Cardinal to consecutive top-15 national standings in defensive efficiency with steadfast efforts in 2011 and 2012.

Mason, a 2012 Broyles Award finalist, guided a 2012 Stanford defense that was not only one of the finest in the nation, but also one of the best in school history.

Mason’s leadership paved the way to a historic defensive output in 2012, breaking Stanford’s single-season sacks record (57) and pacing the Pac-12 in scoring defense (17.21), total defense (336.21), rushing defense (97.0), sacks (4.07) and tackles for loss (9.00).

Capped off by a Pac-12 title game victory and Rose Bowl crown, the 2012 Cardinal ranked first nationally in sacks, second in tackles for loss, fifth in rushing defense and 11th in scoring defense.

Over the last six games of 2012, Stanford held opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Stanford held eight of 13 opponents under 100 yards rushing in 2012, and in a string of three consecutive games, the Cardinal recorded three of its top-10 single-game rushing defense performances in school history: No. 3 at Colorado (minus-21 yards), No. 4 vs. Washington State (minus-18) and t-No.9 at California (three). The Cardinal set a school record by allowing only 76 offensive yards at Colorado.

In 11 of its 14 games, Stanford held its opponent to 20 or fewer points. That included a 14-point effort in the overtime win at top-ranked Oregon, who led the FBS with a 54.8 scoring average

With 2013 marking his fourth season on the Stanford staff, Derek Mason is Stanford’s Willie Shaw Director of Defense.

Stanford announced in April of 2013 that its defensive coordinator position had been endowed by a generous gift from an anonymous donor, named in honor of Willie Shaw, the former Cardinal defensive coordinator and father of head coach David Shaw.

The program’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator since 2011, Mason works closely with the Cardinal secondary personnel.

Mason led the Cardinal to consecutive top-15 national standings in defensive efficiency with steadfast efforts in 2011 and 2012.

Mason, a 2012 Broyles Award finalist, guided a 2012 Stanford defense that was not only one of the finest in the nation, but also one of the best in school history.

Mason’s leadership paved the way to a historic defensive output in 2012, breaking Stanford’s single-season sacks record (57) and pacing the Pac-12 in scoring defense (17.21), total defense (336.21), rushing defense (97.0), sacks (4.07) and tackles for loss (9.00).

Capped off by a Pac-12 title game victory and Rose Bowl crown, the 2012 Cardinal ranked first nationally in sacks, second in tackles for loss, fifth in rushing defense and 11th in scoring defense.

Over the last six games of 2012, Stanford held opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Stanford held eight of 13 opponents under 100 yards rushing in 2012, and in a string of three consecutive games, the Cardinal recorded three of its top-10 single-game rushing defense performances in school history: No. 3 at Colorado (minus-21 yards), No. 4 vs. Washington State (minus-18) and t-No.9 at California (three). The Cardinal set a school record by allowing only 76 offensive yards at Colorado.

In 11 of its 14 games, Stanford held its opponent to 20 or fewer points. That included a 14-point effort in the overtime win at top-ranked Oregon, who led the FBS with a 54.8 scoring average.
Mason’s defensive backs were pivotal to the historic defense’s efforts, including All-America Ed Reynolds and Rose Bowl Defensive MVP Usua Amanam. Reynolds ranked first nationally with 301 interception return yards, one yard short of the NCAA single-season record.

In his first season as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator, Mason’s 2011 defense ranked third nationally in rushing defense (84.38), sixth in third-down defense efficiency (31.10) and 11th in sacks (3.00).

Mason teamed with Jason Tarver to mold Stanford into one of the top defensive units in the Pac-12. The Cardinal ranked either first or second in the conference in six defensive categories, including rushing defense (1st - 84.4), third-down conversion defense (1st - 31.1), scoring defense (2nd - 21.9), total defense (2nd - 337.6), sacks-per-game (2nd - 3.00) and opponent first downs (2nd - 17.5). Stanford finished third nationally in rushing defense.

Mason’s 2010 secondary was one of the great turnaround stories in college football, leading Stanford to the 19th-best interceptions total (18) in the nation and 35th-ranked pass defense (202.0). Three players from that defensive backfield went on to play in the NFL.

Prior to his arrival at Stanford for the 2010 season, Mason served as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007-09, playing a vital role in the team ranking sixth in total defense in 2008 and 2009 as the Vikings won NFC North titles each season.

Mason was introduced to the NFL coaching circles through the Minority Fellowship program in 1996 with the St. Louis Rams and also spent time with the coaching staffs of the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. He joined the Vikings staff in 2007, where he worked with defensive backs coach Joe Woods.

Prior to joining the Vikings, Mason tutored the wide receivers at Ohio University under head coach Frank Solich and helped the Bobcats improve from 4-7 in 2005 to a 9-5 mark the following season, culminating in an appearance in the GMAC Bowl against Southern Mississippi.

Mason spent the 2004 season as the wide receivers coach at New Mexico State, where he helped the Aggies lead the conference in passing.

During the 2002 campaign, Mason mentored the receivers and assisted with the special teams at Utah. The Utes also featured the NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Paris Warren, who was selected in the seventh round.

Mason’s early stops in his coaching career included assignments at San Diego Mesa College (1994), Weber State (1995-96), Idaho State (1997-98) and Bucknell (1999-2001).

As a player, Mason was a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner at Northern Arizona.

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Mason attended Camelback High School. Derek and his wife, Leighanne, have two daughters, Makenzie and Sydney

.
Mason’s defensive backs were pivotal to the historic defense’s efforts, including All-America Ed Reynolds and Rose Bowl Defensive MVP Usua Amanam. Reynolds ranked first nationally with 301 interception return yards, one yard short of the NCAA single-season record.

In his first season as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator, Mason’s 2011 defense ranked third nationally in rushing defense (84.38), sixth in third-down defense efficiency (31.10) and 11th in sacks (3.00).

Mason teamed with Jason Tarver to mold Stanford into one of the top defensive units in the Pac-12. The Cardinal ranked either first or second in the conference in six defensive categories, including rushing defense (1st - 84.4), third-down conversion defense (1st - 31.1), scoring defense (2nd - 21.9), total defense (2nd - 337.6), sacks-per-game (2nd - 3.00) and opponent first downs (2nd - 17.5). Stanford finished third nationally in rushing defense.

Mason’s 2010 secondary was one of the great turnaround stories in college football, leading Stanford to the 19th-best interceptions total (18) in the nation and 35th-ranked pass defense (202.0). Three players from that defensive backfield went on to play in the NFL.

Prior to his arrival at Stanford for the 2010 season, Mason served as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007-09, playing a vital role in the team ranking sixth in total defense in 2008 and 2009 as the Vikings won NFC North titles each season.

Mason was introduced to the NFL coaching circles through the Minority Fellowship program in 1996 with the St. Louis Rams and also spent time with the coaching staffs of the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. He joined the Vikings staff in 2007, where he worked with defensive backs coach Joe Woods.

Prior to joining the Vikings, Mason tutored the wide receivers at Ohio University under head coach Frank Solich and helped the Bobcats improve from 4-7 in 2005 to a 9-5 mark the following season, culminating in an appearance in the GMAC Bowl against Southern Mississippi.

Mason spent the 2004 season as the wide receivers coach at New Mexico State, where he helped the Aggies lead the conference in passing.

During the 2002 campaign, Mason mentored the receivers and assisted with the special teams at Utah. The Utes also featured the NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Paris Warren, who was selected in the seventh round.

Mason’s early stops in his coaching career included assignments at San Diego Mesa College (1994), Weber State (1995-96), Idaho State (1997-98) and Bucknell (1999-2001).

As a player, Mason was a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner at Northern Arizona.

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Mason attended Camelback High School. Derek and his wife, Leighanne, have two daughters, Makenzie and Sydney

Can you elaborate on that point for us?

[hutchids 227]

On 1/8/2021 at 10:00 PM, Auburn Tiger said:

Unbelievable. He does not look 51. I figured he was like 40. Haha. That’s crazy! 

black don't crack 😉 In all seriousness, good defensive coach. I like the hire

[AUBwins 10,075]

1 hour ago, dilligas said:

Can you elaborate on that point for us?

Sure. I was referring to Stanford’s defense during Masons tenure, which coincided with Oregon's run for one, holding Oregon to 14 points when they averaged 54 a game.  Stanford was Pac 10/12 Champs the final 2 years he was there.  A lot of the bullet points are in the article.  Just saying Stanford was nationally known for their defense with Mason, both in the run and the secondary. 

[dilligas 581]

1 hour ago, AUBwins said:

Sure. I was referring to Stanford’s defense during Masons tenure, which coincided with Oregon's run for one, holding Oregon to 14 points when they averaged 54 a game.  Stanford was Pac 10/12 Champs the final 2 years he was there.  A lot of the bullet points are in the article.  Just saying Stanford was nationally known for their defense with Mason, both in the run and the secondary. 

I was just being silly.  It was a good post.

[ValleyTiger 2,894]

 

[AUnCullman 601]

I guess I missed Him. They are talking NC game at the moment. Was it good?

[AuburnTiger4Life 2,225]

Are we ever getting a presser?

[W.E.D 11,070]

Man I hope Mason can find that defensive mastermind he found shutting down Oregon's spread offense and use it shut down the current state of RPOs in college football.  

Would be a pretty epic resume to be able to figure out how to shut down two of the most prolific offensive adjustments in recent history

[ValleyTiger 2,894]

32 minutes ago, AUnCullman said:

I guess I missed Him. They are talking NC game at the moment. Was it good?

 

[aubiefifty 16,778]

auburnwire.usatoday.com

Opinion: Derek Mason is a phenomenal hire at DC and here's why

Shea Brennaman

3-4 minutes

Bryan Harsin added former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason to his staff on Thursday. Mason will assume the role of defensive coordinator on Harsin’s inaugural staff after a seven-year head coaching stint with the Commodores.

Mason’s career spans 26 years with defensive coaching experience at Bucknell, St. Mary’s, and Stanford. Mason also spent two years with the Minnesota Vikings as the assistant defensive backs coach.

While at Stanford, Mason’s defensive units ranked first or second in nearly every category which earned him a spot as a Broyles Award finalist in 2012. At Vanderbilt he became just the second coach in school history to lead the Commodores to two bowl appearances. Under his leadership inside linebacker Zach Cunningham was the first Vanderbilt football player to receive All-American accolades in 32 years.

What stands out to me the most about Derek Mason is his energetic charisma. Two years ago at SEC Media Days in Hoover I sat on radio row. It was late afternoon on the next to last day when Derek Mason walked in. Usually you see head coaches walk in shortly before they’re scheduled to address the media, but this man showed up a day early to shake hands, network, sit down for interviews, etc. Mason then showed up the next day to do it all over again.

It was a gesture that set him apart from the other coaches that week and I thought, I want that energy on my team. For Harsin, the decision to add Mason as DC was a no-brainer.

In Thursday’s press release Harsin said,

“Derek Mason is one of the best defensive minds in college football and his track record speaks for itself. I’ve always admired his ability to prepare his defenses and his approach with players on and off the field is outstanding. Having experience as a head coach in the Southeastern Conference is invaluable and he will bring a lot to our program. We’re fired up to have Coach Mason join the Auburn family.”

If this doesn’t fire you up about this hire, let me remind you of the time that Mason stood up to Cousin Eddie, I mean…Dan Mullen.

Following a targeting call on the Gators, Florida's Dan Mullen and Vanderbilt's Derek Mason exchanged words. pic.twitter.com/ZhTimyBWdj

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) October 13, 2018

Or the time he had all college football fans ready to run through a brick wall in the name of Vanderbilt.

WE GRIND says Derek Mason
This is terrific pic.twitter.com/Pa5nWtg5os

— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) October 20, 2019

And his locker room speeches? HYPE.

#SECNation mentioned Derek Mason's locker room speeches. How about you hear it for yourself. on. @Aallison_TN https://t.co/KbjSLjbxT9 pic.twitter.com/ChfvLNvL06

— tnsports (@tnsports) September 23, 2017

I am elated, and so is Derek Mason,

“Auburn University is a special place with special people, and I’ve witnessed this in my time in the SEC. I admire the school, the facilities, the traditions and the uniqueness of the community. Auburn has everything! Auburn embraces all that I believe in and I’m very appreciative of Coach Harsin, Director of Athletics Allen Greene and the University Administration for this opportunity. I’ve always had a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Harsin and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”

Welcome to Auburn, Derek Mason! War Eagle!

[DAG 33,982]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/college/auburn/Article/derek-mason-auburn-kevin-steele-bryan-harsin-vanderbilt-new-staff-defensive-coordinator-159128053/Amp/
 

this is why I was laughing when some of you were trying to pile on this guy. It is going to take a special breed to rebuild and compete in the west and he is going to be a vital piece 

[aubearcat 2,137]

Enjoy this man while he’s here. 

[Paladin 3,305]

Harsin on Mason: 'High energy, great coach, great personality, great connector'

by Jason Caldwell

66 minutes ago

 

AUBURN, Alabama—One of the things that new Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin said he felt was important when looking for his defensive coordinator was experience in the Southeastern Conference and someone who likes his groups to be physical and be versatile on that side of the football. Harsin got all of those things when he hired former Stanford defensive coordinator and former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason to run the defense for his first staff.

 

Commenting on the attributes that led him to bringing Mason on board, Harsin said, "High energy. Great coach. Great personality. Great connector.

 

“I got to witness his resume, his work when he was at Stanford, so being at Boise State, watching what they were doing at Stanford, watching the type of defenses they put out there, how they played, how physical they played, schematically what they were able to do.

 

"You have got to be able to adjust and adapt to some of the offenses now. You are going to face tempo offenses, two-back offenses, spread-open, tempo teams. There’s just a lot of variety. Every single week there’s going to be game plan plays that offenses use so the system, when you install it, you have got to be able to be multiple but sound in what you’re doing.”

 

Something that will be important for Mason and the new defensive staff will be getting to know the personnel already on campus. Not only do they need to figure out what positions to target in recruiting, but it’s also big because they will need to find out where they want to look at specific players when they get on the field for spring practices beginning in mid-March.

 

That will determine what direction they want to go on offense. With a background in a 3-4 defense as well as using a four-man front, Mason has done different things and it’s all based on the players he has to work with for that season. That makes the next few months extremely important for the direction of Auburn’s defense in 2021. Harsin said that work has already started

 

“Coach Mason, as far as what he has done, his approach with the entire defensive staff is really watching the guys that we have here on this team,” Harsin said. “Let’s start with what we have, let’s start with the players we have here, let’s look at where they are going to fit. Before we decide corners, safeties, nickels, linebackers—we want to see the guys that we have here, we want to see where they fit within the schemes and that will help us with the three-down or the four-down, and that will help us with the things we want to do from a schematic standpoint so I really appreciate his approach.

 

“He brings a wealth of knowledge now. He has been a head coach, he has been a defensive coordinator. There’s a maturity, there’s a leadership quality about him, there’s an approach that says here’s the process we’re going to use to develop this defense into what it is we want it to be.”

 

[dyehardfanAU 2,117]

On 1/7/2021 at 10:19 AM, Swamp Eagle said:

I think Mason is an excellent hire.
 

Bobo, if true, doesn’t excite me, but I’ll have to trust CBH on who he chooses. 
 

T-Rob seems to be a possibility, that would be great.

 

I haven’t heard Will Friend’s name mentioned in awhile; didn’t even know he was coaching. 
 

Whatever CBH decides, I’ll have to trust and go with on his staff. Hope more out there are with me on this. I believe in supporting until I can’t anymore, just like with Gus.

Why would T-Rob have been great?

[Swamp Eagle 5,134]

3 hours ago, dyehardfanAU said:

Why would T-Rob have been great?

Damn, fella, why not wait a couple more weeks to respond? Maybe my memory will be back by then...

[dyehardfanAU 2,117]

1 hour ago, Swamp Eagle said:

Damn, fella, why not wait a couple more weeks to respond? Maybe my memory will be back by then...

Just curious.  I've heard several people say this and I can't figure out why.

[Swamp Eagle 5,134]

7 hours ago, dyehardfanAU said:

Just curious.  I've heard several people say this and I can't figure out why.

T-Rob has a rep for being an excellent coach and recruiter. 

[dyehardfanAU 2,117]

8 minutes ago, Swamp Eagle said:

T-Rob has a rep for being an excellent coach and recruiter. 

And as a DC?

[Swamp Eagle 5,134]

1 minute ago, dyehardfanAU said:

And as a DC?

We had a DC when I posted that T-Rob would be great...not sure why you’re quizzing me on it.  We did not, however, have a DB coach at the time, which I would think would have been a natural assumption to make from my post concerning T-Rob.
 

 

[dyehardfanAU 2,117]

11 minutes ago, Swamp Eagle said:

We had a DC when I posted that T-Rob would be great...not sure why you’re quizzing me on it.  We did not, however, have a DB coach at the time, which I would think would have been a natural assumption to make from my post concerning T-Rob.
 

 

My apologies, completely misunderstood.

[Paladin 3,305]

Quote

'It’s always intense': What Auburn players can expect from Derek Mason

By NATHAN KING 82 minutes ago

In less than three weeks, the first spring practices of the Bryan Harsin era will get under way at Auburn. It will also mark the start of a new chapter for Derek Mason, as the former Vanderbilt coach returns to a defensive coordinator role for the first time since the 2013 season at Stanford.

He replaces Kevin Steele after five seasons in charge of Auburn’s defense. Steele was known for his ferocity and no-nonsense approach with his players.

And according to a five-year player for Mason at Vanderbilt, the Tigers could be in for even a step up from Steele in terms of vigor, especially on the practice field.

“We tried to match his intensity and energy,” said Khari Blasingame, now a fullback with the Tennessee Titans, “but I don’t know if that’s even possible.”

Blasingame, who came to Vanderbilt as a safety and linebacker prospect before moving to running back, committed to Mason in 2014, before he had coached his first season with the Commodores. After redshirting, Blasingame was with Mason for five of his seven seasons at the helm in Nashville. He saw his coach improve, fail, succeed, reassess, reconstruct, and tweak his program from year to year. Toward the end of Blasingame's time at Vandy, he was involved in some of those decisions as a team leader.

But one thing that never changed was Mason's demeanor and expectations of his players on a daily basis inside the football building. Blasingame said the Tigers' defense will need to be on their A-game every day in practice because Mason "doesn't miss a thing."

"They (Auburn) are going to be expected to be detail-oriented, and they have to be the same guy every day," Blasingame told Auburn Undercover. "Bring it; don’t be inconsistent. It’s always intense — always. He expected us to be focused and locked in."

Mason will be well aided by Auburn's assistant coaches, as Harsin hired two other former defensive coordinators to his 2021 staff in Jeff Schmedding (Boise State) and Bert Watts (Fresno State).

It’s no secret Mason wants to be a head coach again, and he could have gone a handful of other routes as he attempts to work back toward that goal; he was offered jobs at the NFL and college levels.

But a prior relationship with Harsin was bolstered by the opportunity for Mason to interview for the Auburn job in person, and he was hooked on Harsin's "vision" for not only the future of the program, but for how Mason could run the defense.

"Having the chance to meet with him, he got my attention with what he's talking about, what he wants it to look like at Auburn," Mason said last month. "When I talked to some other coaches in this league, some coaches outside this league, I had a fair amount of opportunities. But Auburn caught my attention."

From a recruiting perspective, Blasingame found Mason’s sincerity alluring and refreshing. He flipped from Minnesota to Vanderbilt after Mason was hired. And with Mason now set to court his first full recruiting cycle at Auburn with the 2022 class, Blasingame doesn’t think any of the defensive coordinator’s targeted prospects will be disappointed with the relationship they build with him.

As Blasingame put it, Mason will pitch Auburn’s program authentically and practically.

“He was honest, but always real about things,” Blasingame said. “He would tell you straight up that you have to earn your way onto the field, no matter who you are. He doesn’t sell you any B.S. when he’s recruiting.”

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Mason takes over an Auburn defense that finished in the top 10 in SP+ in three of five seasons under Steele and only ranked outside the top 20 once (2020). He has plenty of toys to work with this fall, however, with a cornerbacks room that may be the best position group on the entire roster, an All-SEC defender at safety, the leading tackler in college football from last season at linebacker, and a defensive line that, while inexperienced, is packed with former high-level recruits.

“You look at the type of defenses we were able to put together with Zach Cunningham, Oren Burks, LaDarius Wiley — those guys were able to stand out and play great defense in the SEC and get a chance at the NFL,” Blasingame said. “I think you’re going to see the same if not better with what he has at Auburn. He knows how to produce fundamental defenses that are easy to understand, understand the coaching well and always play hard, because that’s what he always expects of his players.

“I was excited when I saw the news because Auburn will put resources in front of him and allow to do a great job.”

 

[bigbird 60,522]

On 2/25/2021 at 7:55 AM, Paladin said:

"Having the chance to meet with him, he got my attention with what he's talking about, what he wants it to look like at Auburn," Mason said last month. "When I talked to some other coaches in this league, some coaches outside this league, I had a fair amount of opportunities. But Auburn caught my attention."

I love this quote.