Derek Mason set to leave, Auburn has new defensive coordinator

After just one season, Auburn defensive coordinator Derek Mason is leaving the Tigers’ program. On3’s Matt Zenitz reported the news, adding that linebackers coach and assistant head coach Jeff Schmedding will be promoted to fill Mason’s role.

This season was Mason’s first with Auburn. The Tigers played well defensively, ranking 27th in the FBS in scoring defense, also coming in at 29th against the run.

Auburn allowed 21.77 points per game last season, also allowing 372 yards of offense per game. The Tigers also allowed just 127.22 rushing yards per game, ranking towards the top of the SEC. Auburn had 36 sacks and nine interceptions.

Prior to joining Auburn’s staff, Mason served as Vanderbilt’s head coach from 2014-2020. He has also served on multiple other staffs, including, the Minnesota Vikings and Stanford. Mason coached defensive backs with the Vikings from 2007-2009, and held the same role with Stanford in 2010. In 2011, he served as Stanford’s assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator while coaching the secondary. He was Stanford’s full-time defensive coordinator from 2012-2013.

Schmedding also just wrapped up his first year at Auburn after a stint with Boise State. He also has extensive experience in the FCS, working at Eastern Washington.

It has been reported over the last week that Mason is a strong candidate to leave Auburn and join Mike Gundy’s staff at Oklahoma State. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman reported on Wednesday that Mason is a strong candidate for Oklahoma State. He would fill the void left by Jim Knowles at defensive coordinator.

Mason came to Auburn after a sting at Vanderbilt

As Vanderbilt’s head coach, Mason led the Commodores to two bowl appearances in seven seasons. Vanderbilt made the 2018 Texas Bowl and 2016 Independence Bowl.

Overall, Mason coached to a 27-55 record at Vanderbilt. In 2020, Vanderbilt was winless at 0-8, leading to Mason’s dismissal. The Commodores played one game after moving on from Mason, losing to end the year at 0-9.

Following his firing, Mason joined Auburn’s coaching staff. Now, just a year later, he is on the move yet again.

It was also reported on Friday that Jimmy Brumbaugh is set to join Auburn’s staff as the Tigers’ new defensive line coach. Brumbaugh is a former All-SEC talent at Auburn from 1995-2000. He has spent time on staff at LSU, Syracuse, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Oregon, and others.