- Program
- Middle Tennessee
- Level
- FBS
- In Role Since
- 2024
- Conference
- CUSA
- Education
- Northern Arizona University, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice ('93)
Profile
Derek Mason was hired as Middle Tennessee’s 16th head coach on Dec. 6, 2023 and is in his third season leading the Blue Raiders as of the June 2026 bio update. Mason previously spent seven seasons as a head coach at Vanderbilt (2014-2020) where his 2018 squad won six games and defeated rival Tennessee, and he served as defensive coordinator at Auburn in 2021 when Auburn improved third-down defense by 14.5% and rose 84 places in final FBS rankings. Mason was Stanford’s defensive architect (co-defensive coordinator/defensive coordinator 2010-13) when the Cardinal ranked among the nation's best in rushing defense and scoring defense and won a Rose Bowl.
Coaching Approach
Defensive-minded, installing Stanford-style 3-4 schemes and measurable defensive improvements: as Stanford defensive coordinator his units posted top-10 national rushing defense and scoring defense finishes (2012) and at Auburn (2021) his defense improved third-down defense by 14.5%, tackles for loss by +1.4 per game and rushing defense by 35 yards per game according to the bio.
Career Highlights
- Named Middle Tennessee head coach (hired Dec. 6, 2023)
- Served as Vanderbilt head coach from 2014-2020 and led the Commodores to multiple bowl appearances, including a 6-6 regular season in 2016 with wins over Georgia and Ole Miss
- Architect of Stanford’s 3-4 defense; 2012 Stanford ranked third nationally in rushing defense (89.4 ypg) and 10th in scoring defense (19.0 ppg)
Sources
This is an independent editorial profile. It does not indicate that the coach controls an athlete profile, has joined Fite Football, or has been approved for recruiter access. Submit factual corrections with a source.