Report: Derek Mason to sign major contract at Oklahoma State

Former Auburn defensive coordinator Derek Mason’s contract at Oklahoma State has the terms of two years for $1.1 million per year, according to a report from The O’Colly’s Chris Becker.

The official contract is still in works with legal, per Oklahoma State. Mason would be the highest paid coordinator in Cowboys history.

Nearly three weeks ago the news was broken by Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports that Mason was leaving Auburn to take over defensive operations at Oklahoma State.

Mason originally signed a similar deal with Auburn before last season that would have paid him $1.5 million annually. Turmoil arose inside the Auburn program’s coaching ranks after a poor 6-7 season and Mason, along with several other coaches, have sought to continue their careers elsewhere.

Oklahoma State, 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.

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).

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

In the first half of that game, the numbers were simply incredible for the Auburn 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.

With the Bryan Harsin-Auburn saga behind him, Mason can focus on shaping an Oklahoma State rushing attack that averaged 185.5 yards per game and scored 27 total touchdowns last season.