Auburn football: Bryan Harsin once hilariously clowned Derek Mason during argument

Now that the Auburn football program has moved on from the Bryan Harsin era on the Plains, the juicy details of his seemingly scandalous tenure as the Tigers head coach have begun to reach the light of day.

As was reported during this past February’s inquiry, Harsin’s personal conduct was under the microscope when the AU brain trust looked into whether or not they had a chance to fire the Boise native with cause. Opelika-Auburn News’ Justin Lee relayed that the primary impetus for the inquiry was his supposed mistreatment of Black players, while talk of an affair with a much younger female staffer was also on the table.

Now, a story that is much lighter than those issues — and is quite frankly, hilarious — has come to light. And while it doesn’t make Harsin look like a good leader, it does show more personality than many thought he ever showed at the podium.

Harsin reportedly once clowned defensive coordinator Derek Mason during an argument about whether or not the latter should have more of a say in the Auburn football defensive line coach hiring, mocking the program Mason had come from back when he was hired back in January 2021 (h/t AL.com’s Nubyjas Wilborn):

"“Harsin and Mason had an interaction where Mason said ‘I’ve been a head coach in this league longer than you have.” Harsin replied, “Oh, you mean at Vanderbilt?’ according to people familiar with the situation.”"

Bryan Harsin wasn’t a fit with Auburn football personality-wise

While Nick Saban routinely shows attitude during his press conferences with reporters, the long-time Alabama coach earned that right by winning six national championships for Tuscaloosa and another in Death Valley. Bryan Harsin didn’t earn that right but still exhibited an attitude during press scrums when asked legitimate football questions.

There was certainly reporters with an agenda during the 2021 season regarding COVID-19 vaccination status, but at this point, it’s clear Harsin’s lack of humility extended into his day-to-day dealings as head coach.

We will undoubtedly hear more stories like this one in regards to the last 22 months, but we’re already off to a hot start.