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

Derek Mason has been hired as the defensive coordinator at Auburn and it is a smart move in every way.

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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.

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

And his locker room speeches? HYPE.

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!