Bryan Harsin made his first big hire at Auburn.
Harsin hires former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason as the Tigers’ defense coordinator, sources told AL.com. The deal is expected to be finalized in the near future, according to sources.
Multiple Power Five schools, including South Carolina, have been pursuing Mason as defense coordinator since he was sacked by Vanderbilt in November. However, Auburn is the one who will eventually land him.
Mason was a respected defensive mindset and was Stanford’s defense coordinator for two seasons before being appointed Vanderbilt’s head coach in 2014. Under Mason, Stanford was No. 1 in the Pac 12 in overall defense in 2012 and second in 2013.
Mason was just 27-55 as Vanderbilt’s head coach in his seven seasons. However, the Commodores have only had six seasons with six or more wins since 1982 and two have come under Mason.
Mason replaces Kevin Steele, who has been Auburn’s defense coordinator for the past five seasons.
Posting will be updated.
Matt Zenitz is a senior SEC football reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.