AUBURN, Alabama – Former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason has stepped in as a strong candidate to join Bryan Harsin, Auburn’s first-year coach, as defense coordinator. A decision may come before the end of the week.
Mason spent seven seasons as head coach of Vanderbilt, going 27-66 and taking two teams together for games. He moved to Vanderbilt from Stanford, where he built a reputation as a top defensive coordinator.
From 2007-2009, Mason coached defensive rugby for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. His CV follows:
1994 Mesa CC (WR); 1995–1996 Weber State (WR); 1997–1998 Idaho State (RB); 1999–2001 Bucknell (DB); 2002 Utah (WR / ST); 2003 St. Mary’s (AHC / Co-DC); 2004 New Mexico State (WR); 2005–2006 Ohio (WR); 2007–2009 Minnesota Vikings (DB); 2010 Stanford (DB); 2011 Stanford (AHC / Co-DC / DB); 2012–2013 Stanford (AHC / DC); 2014–2020 Vanderbilt (HC).
2 BOISE ASSISTANT ABROAD
Two assistants from Boise State, where Harsin was head coach for seven seasons, are expected to join Auburn. Offensive line coach and running game coordinator Brad Bedell and defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson agreed to make the move, according to expert sources.
Bedell can coach the attacking line at Auburn or coach tighthead props. It is not certain what position Danielson would coach at Auburn.
PORTER GETS A LOOK
Larry Porter, Auburn’s coach and coordinator for special teams, interviewed Harsin. He is apparently the first and so far only Auburn assistant to have been interviewed. No Auburn field coaches have been sacked or said they will return.