Former Auburn football defensive coordinator Derek Mason takes same job at Oklahoma State

AUBURN — After leaving Auburn football, Derek Mason was announced as Oklahoma State's new defensive coordinator Wednesday.

Mason had the same job at Auburn. He was part of Bryan Harsin's new coaching staff in 2021, and under his leadership the Tigers' defense was one of their strengths. Auburn (6-7) allowed 21.77 points per game. It ranked No. 22 in the country and No. 3 in the SEC in rushing defense with 3.55 yards allowed per carry. Opponents averaged 7.1 yards per pass attempt and 245.8 per game. 

Mason's contract details at Oklahoma State are unclear at this time. At Auburn, he signed a two-year, $3 million contract, making him the highest-paid assistant coach annually on Harsin's staff.

"After meaningful discussions with (Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy) these past few weeks about his vision for the program, it became apparent that leading the defense for the Cowboys was the right fit for me," Mason said in a release from Oklahoma State. "I look forward to working with the student-athletes, coaches and staff as they continue to build a winning culture of success, inclusion and integrity on and off the field."

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Mason came to Auburn after being fired by Vanderbilt, where he was head coach from 2014-20. Previously, he spent four years as a defensive assistant at Stanford and three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. 

He joins 17-year Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, who just led the Cowboys (12-2) to a Fiesta Bowl win against Notre Dame. With 12 wins, they matched the 2011 season for the winningest in program history. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Ohio State after the season.

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Harsin promoted assistant coach Jeff Schmedding to fill Auburn's defensive coordinator role. Schmedding had the same role on Harsin's Boise State staffs in 2019 and 2020.