SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation: Vanderbilt Commodores’ Derek Mason

Jul 14, 2014; Hoover, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Derek Mason talks to the media during the SEC Football Media Days at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

The Case For. . .

Recruiting:  Derek Mason has secured the highest ranked recruit in school history (4- star Defensive Tackle Nifae Lealao in 2014; 4-star Quarterback Kyle Shurmur in 2015) for the second year in a row.

Assistant Coaches:  Mason impressively added former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig.  If anyone can put a respectable rushing attack together in Nashville, it would be Ludwig.  Need proof, check his career with the Badgers and Melvin Gordon.

Mason turned over the defensive coordinator duties to, wait for it, himself.  After his career at Stanford helped establish Mason as one of the top defensive minds in college football, Vandy fans can expect a great improvement on the defensive side of the ball this fall.

James Franklin:  The Mason apologists love pointing out that Franklin brought Vanderbilt to success they had not experienced in decades only to, according to them, leave it in shambles. You will also hear from them that nine wins annually is unrealistic at a place like Vanderbilt. Somehow that makes three wins ok?

Next: Why Mason Should Go