By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The Vanderbilt Commodores have fire head football coach Derek Mason. He was in his seventh season at the school.
He has been replaced on an interim basis by offensive coordinator Todd Fitch. Vanderbilt will begin a search for a permanent head coach immediately.
Mason led the team to an 0-8 record this season. In his final game leading the program, the Commodores were defeated 41-0 by the Missouri Tigers in Columbia, Missouri.
“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,” Commodores Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey 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 in trouble of losing his job last season at the school. However, at the end of the 2019 campaign, the school administration elected to give him another opportunity to coach his players.
The Commodores are 0-8 this season. And they may go winless on the season with a loss on Saturday, December 5 against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Mason went 27-55 as the Commodores head coach. He went 3-17 in his final two seasons before his departure.
In addition, Mason did not have a single winning season at the school. His best record guiding the Commodores were 6-7 in 2016 and 2018.
“While this was a difficult decision, but I know this change is necessary,” Lee said. “We wish Derek and his entire family the best.”
