Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Vanderbilt Football: 9 potential head coach replacements for Derek Mason

By Dante Pryor

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 28: head coach Derek Mason of the Vanderbilt Commodores walks to the stadium with Tyler Steen #54 and Cole Clemens #74 prior to a game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 28: head coach Derek Mason of the Vanderbilt Commodores walks to the stadium with Tyler Steen #54 and Cole Clemens #74 prior to a game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Nov 21, 2020; West Point, New York, USA; Army Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken (front) celebrates with his team after a win against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; West Point, New York, USA; Army Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken (front) celebrates with his team after a win against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

These coaches could help light up the scoreboard

1. Jeff Monken, HC, Army

It is hard arguing that the triple-option would not be a bad idea for a program like Vanderbilt. The Commodores will never compete with recruits the rest of the SEC, so the triple-option is an idea. Playing option football gives Vanderbilt a tactical edge; teams only see that offense once a year.

The issue with Monken is you are admitting to donors and boosters that the program has a ceiling. Running the option is an admission that Vanderbilt is not good enough to compete for conference titles and that 6-7 wins are the floor.

2. Jay Norvell, HC, Nevada

Nevada Wolfpack head coach Jay Norvell would fit the Cutcliffe Principle if Vanderbilt wanted to go in that direction for a head coach hire. At 57, Norvell is not likely looking for the “next big job” and could spend the rest of his coaching career at Vanderbilt, not bolt after three or four seasons.

Norvell, one of Bob Stoops’ most valued lieutenants while at Oklahoma, could bring some offensive excitement to Nashville. The Wolfpack are currently off to their best start in a decade, and quarterback Carson Strong leads the best passing attack in the Mountain West.

3. Sean Lewis, HC, Kent State

Former Wisconsin tight end and current Kent State Golden Flashes head coach Sean Lewis would be the youngest head coach in the SEC at 34 years old. Lewis could bring an offense that would bring some excitement to Nashville. The Flashes currently lead the nation in total yards and are second in scoring offense.

This would be an out of the box hire if they could get Lewis, but the danger is Lewis leaving for a bigger job if he could mirror the success that James Franklin had at Vanderbilt.

Home/Vanderbilt Commodores