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Vanderbilt Football: It’s time to part ways with Derek Mason

By Bryant Barger

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Head Coach Derek Mason of the Vanderbilt Commodores on the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Head Coach Derek Mason of the Vanderbilt Commodores on the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Vanderbilt football must look in a different direction if they wish to pick up where James Franklin left off. Derek Mason is just not getting the job done.

Prior to James Franklin, the Commodores had one goal each season, beat the Group of Fives. For the most part they succeeded. Bobby Johnson suffered from a couple of losses to Middle Tennessee, but other than that he was able to beat the lower conference foes.

In 2008, Coach Johnson proved the Commodores could do much more than just beat the cupcakes. He proved that with the perfect recipe they could upset teams like No. 24 South Carolina, No. 13 Auburn, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and No. 24 Boston College.

In 2011, James Franklin gave the Commodores new dreams. He took what Coach Johnson had built and pushed it to new limits. In his second season Vanderbilt finished 9-4, beating five SEC opponents and winning the Music City Bowl.

The following year, another 9-4 record and an even bigger bowl win over the Houston Cougars. At the time, beating the Tennessee Volunteers back-to-back for the first time since 1926 was a huge deal, but now those defeats don’t seem too important.

Coach Mason has struggled since taking the job. In his first season, the Commodores finished 3-9, merely losing to UMass. 2016 has been his greatest season thus far. Vanderbilt knocked off Georgia, Ole Miss, and No. 24 Tennessee.

Since then, beating in-state rival Tennessee has proved to be an easy task for Coach Mason, but the remaining schedule has turned into a yearly nightmare. This past 2018 season proved hope for the Commodores. Victories over Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Tennessee helped wrap up a 6-6 season and a chance to play in a bowl game.

2019 has to be the final straw. Vanderbilt is now struggling to beat the cupcakes. They are now struggling to get over that hump that Bobby Johnson worked so hard to sustain. After the Commodores nearly lost to Northern Illinois at home, people began to question Coach Mason’s ability. Now that they have lost at home to UNLV, by 24 points, it’s no longer a wondering question. Derek Mason must be fired.

There are three people who qualify for the job. Yep, just three. I’m sure there are plenty of reasonable candidates, but if Vanderbilt wishes to return to that 9-4 record, then they should only choose one of the following three coaches: Memphis’ Mike Norvell, FAU’s Lane Kiffin, or former Colorado head coach, Mike MacIntyre.

dark. Next. Week 8 Heisman Power Rankings

Don’t be a fool, Commodores. Do what’s right. Give your program a chance before it’s too late. All three of the coaches I have listed would be able to do the unthinkable at Vanderbilt … recruit!

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