Report: Derek Mason emerges as candidate for Big 12 coaching vacancy

Auburn Tigers’ defensive coordinator Derek Mason officially emerged as a candidate for the Oklahoma State defensive coordinator position late on Wednesday night, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports.

Mason’s defense put together its most impressive performance of the 2021 season in the Iron Bowl, when they limited Alabama and Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young to just 10 points in regulation.

In the first half of that game, the numbers were simply incredible for the Auburn Tiger defense. They racked up five sacks, held ‘Bama to zero points, limited the Crimson Tide to 2.3 yards per play, and only four first downs.

The move makes perfect sense for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who just lost their former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Knowles was one of the nation’s best defensive coordinators and now Mike Gundy is looking to replace him with another high caliber defensive coordinator.

It’d be a huge hire for the Cowboys if they could pull it off, and if Auburn loses Mason, it’d be equally as big of a loss for them. His track record as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football speaks for itself.

Mason’s track record as a defensive coordinator is among the nation’s elite

Mason established himself as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football during his time with the Stanford Cardinal. Mason’s guidance 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).

He was also a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2012 –given to the nation’s top assistant in college football.

The Stanford defense’s numbers in 2013 were among the nation’s best, too. While facing seven ranked opponents in 2013, Stanford ranked third nationally in rushing defense (89.4 ypg), 10th in scoring defense (19.0 ppg) and 16th in total offense (343.1 ypg).

The Cardinal were also one of only five teams to allow less than 100 rushing yards per game in 2013. They also ranked fifth nationally with 44 sacks and seventh with 109 tackles for loss.

Mason’s track record as the head coach at Vanderbilt left a lot to be desired, but few coaches in the country can compete with his track record as a defensive coordinator.

Prior to his time working with Stanford, Mason spent time as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007-2009. He also spent time with the Ohio Bobcats as their wide receivers coach under Frank Solich.

During his time in Athens, Mason established himself as an elite recruiter and helped land LaVon Brazill, one of the highest rated recruits in Ohio football history.