AUBURN, Alabama – Former Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason has emerged as a strong candidate to join Auburn coach Bryan Harsin’s first-year team as a defensive coordinator. The decision may come before the end of the week.
Mason spent seven seasons as Vanderbilt’s head coach, going 27-66 and taking two teams to bowling. He moved from Stanford to Vanderbilt, where he built a reputation as a leading defensive coordinator.
From 2007 to 2009, Mason trained defensive defenders of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. His resume follows:
1994 Mesa CC (WR); 1995–1996 Weber State (WR); 1997–1998 Idaho State (RB); 1999–2001 Bucknell (DB); Utah in 2002 (WR / ST); 2003 St. Mary’s (AHC / Co-DC); 2004 State of New Mexico (WR); 2005–2006 Ohio (WR); Minnesota Vikings (DB) 2007–2009; Stanford 2010 (DB); Stanford 2011 (AHC / Co-DC / DB); Stanford 2012–2013 (AHC / DC); 2014–2020 Vanderbilt (HC).
2 BOISE AUBURN-BOUND ASSISTANTS
Two assistants from Boise State, where Harsin has been a head coach for seven seasons, are expected to join him at Auburn. Brad Bedell, the offensive line coach and coordinator of the racing game, and Spencer Danielson, the defensive line coach and defense co-coordinator agreed to make the change, according to informed sources.
Bedell could train the offensive line at Auburn or he could train tight end. It is unclear what position Danielson would train at Auburn.
PORTER TAKES A LOOK
Larry Porter, Auburn coach and coordinator of special teams, was interviewed by Harsin. He is apparently the first and, until now, Auburn’s only assistant to have an interview. No Auburn field coach was fired or informed that he would return.