Ex-Auburn defensive coordinator has relatively bearish 2023 expectations
Former Auburn football defensive coordinator Derek Mason was relatively bearish on the Tigers’ expectations ahead of the 2023 season — predicting a 7-5 record while speaking to On3’s Nick Kosko.
“I think 7-5,” Mason said when asked to give an Auburn football record prediction. “I think we understand what their quarterback situation is. We understand that this unit right now is somewhat saddled a little bit in terms of where they sit, but I think what they did in recruiting, what they did in recruiting was outstanding. And they did a good job in the portal and getting (Payton) Thorne and making sure you know really that they can get some competition in the quarterback room.” Despite the so-so-record prediction, Mason did give specific shoutouts to a JUCO transfer he never coached and a reserve linebacker he did.
“But I think all the way around, they’ve got pieces,” Mason prefaced before saying, “When you look at that secondary, you know Keionte (Scott)… guys coming back, Cam Riley, the production. It gives this group a chance offensively and defensively by what he’s done.”
Former Auburn football defensive coordinator Derek Mason walked away from the game
Mason spent just one spent season on the Plains and followed it up with one season in Stillwater in the same defensive coordinator role for Oklahoma State, but now the 53-year-old former longtime Vanderbilt head coach stepped away from the game completely in January.
“After 30 consecutive seasons in the great game of football, I have decided to take a sabbatical from coaching in college at the conclusion of my current contract at OSU,” Mason wrote in a statement (h/t 247Sports). “I look forward to spending time with my family to rest and reflect on opportunities within the game I love. I have been blessed during my tenure at Oklahoma State to work alongside Coach (Mike) Gundy. His leadership and consistency are unmatched in the profession.”
While his time in Nashville wasn’t exactly filled with successes, Mason does have the name value to get a Group of Five head coaching job at minimum in the years to come. Don’t expect it until the calendar flips to 2024 at earliest, though.