Mike Gundy explains how the transition has been for new DC Derek Mason

Oklahoma State had a great defense in 2021 with Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator. But now, Knowles is at Ohio State — and Derek Mason is in as DC.

Mike Gundy hired Mason from Auburn to help the Cowboys stay dominant in the Big 12 in 2022. Last year was Mason’s lone season on The Plains after working at Vanderbilt from 2014-20, and the Tigers allowed 21.8 points per game under his watch.

As Mason gets ready to take over a defense that held teams to a Big 12-best 18.1 points per contest, Gundy said he’s doing well transitioning into the role.

“Derek has been fantastic,” Gundy said Wednesday at Big 12 Media Days. “It’s been a smooth transition. He’s a first-class person. He understands loyalty and hard work. He has a great relationship with the players.

“I became interested in him when I found out — well, obviously I knew about his history in being a head coach, being a coordinator, being in successful programs. So the players have rallied around him, and the transition has been very smooth. Couldn’t be more happier.”

Mike Gundy sounds off on the state of Oklahoma State’s brand after OU’s exit

Gundy also said his program has a strong enough brand to get through Oklahoma and Texas’ pending moves to the SEC. He also acknowledged where the game is going, but said the Big 12 still has plenty of good qualities to keep a high profile.

“As I said earlier, I don’t think that Oklahoma State has changed any with the alignment that started a year ago, and the fact that we have a strong brand, we have a successful winning tradition and a large number of people across the country that want to watch Oklahoma State football,” Gundy said. “As we’ve all talked about and we all understand, that’s the direction that college football is going. That’s where the money is. The moves that are being made are only made for the money, period.

“Fortunately, we have a long, long-term success at Oklahoma State in winning games in football and people wanting to watch us on TV. As I mentioned earlier, I’m convinced that the Big 12 will be here for a long time. Who will be in it? I’m not sure. But the brand and what we have at this point moving forward, and Oklahoma State will be a very, very marketable opportunity in the future.”