SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation: Vanderbilt Commodores’ Derek Mason

Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Derek Mason prior to the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Volunteers won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

SEC football coaches are constantly being evaluated, and we do our part to add to that. This is the second in our series of head football coach evaluations for the conference.

SEC Head Coach Evaluation: Steve Spurrier

SEC Head Coach Evaluation: Mark Richt

After evaluating the SEC East’s heavyweight coaches, we are in for a bit of a reprieve. As promised, some of these evaluations will be much less detailed. These coaches have either proved their worth beyond doubt. . . or are benefitting for one more year because firing coaches is expensive. Unfortunately for Vanderbilt fans, the latter is likely the primary reason Derek Mason still will not be gone after year two.

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Derek Mason was put in a no-win situation after the sudden departure of James Franklin to the greener pastures of Happy Valley. Franklin took with him a lot of momentum, and a handful of recruits, leaving a mess for Mason to clean up.

That said, this is still a Division 1 football program, and excuses aren’t going to be tolerated for a long period of time. So, should Mason be given the benefit of the doubt or was this just the wrong guy to bring in for the Commodores?

There will be an evaluation, but the verdict here is never in doubt.

Next: Why Mason Deserves to Stay