Vanderbilt has decided to part way with head coach Derek Mason. Mason was 27-55 since taking over the program in 2014, and 0-8 so far this season. Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee shared the following in the team's announcement:
“On behalf of the entire Vanderbilt community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Coach Mason for his many years of dedication and service leading our football program,” Lee said. “Derek cares deeply about the student-athletes under his charge. His tenure at Vanderbilt will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to our student-athletes, not only on the field, but in the classroom and as young people.”
Mason was hired away from Stanford heading into the 2014 season, where he served as David Shaw's defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Mason's tenure was not without moments of success. His teams handily defeated rival Tennessee during three straight meetings, costing the Vols a Sugar Bowl bid in 2016 and hastening the demise of Butch Jones. Mason also notched a big win against first-year UT coach Jeremy Pruitt in 2018. In Saturday's 41-0 loss at Missouri, Vanderbilt received national attention for its use of a member of the Vanderbilt women's soccer team, Sarah Fuller. Fuller kicked off once for the 'Dores, becoming the first-ever female participant in a Power-5 game. Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch will lead the program on an interim basis until a new head coach is named. The opening is the fourth opening at the major college level so far, and the second Power Five open job, joining South Carolina as the other opening. Mason shared the following statement just after the news broke:
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