Report: Auburn hiring ex-Vanderbilt HC Mason as DC
Auburn is hiring former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason as its next defensive coordinator, sources told AL.com's Matt Zenitz.
Mason represents the first major hire by new Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin, who's replacing Gus Malzahn at the head of the program.
The 51-year-old Mason spent seven seasons with the Commodores before being fired in November. He reached two bowl games but sported a disappointing 27-55 record overall.
Despite not finding success at Vanderbilt, Mason is a respected defensive mind. Multiple Power Five schools, including South Carolina, had pursued him for vacant defensive coordinator positions, per Zenitz.
The hire means Kevin Steele won't return to Auburn in 2021. Steele was the Tigers' defensive coordinator for each of the last five campaigns. He was also named interim head coach following Malzahn's firing.
Mason has previous coordinator experience in college football, leading productive Stanford spot units from 2011-2013.