SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation: Vanderbilt Commodores’ Derek Mason

The Case Against:

Recruiting:  Even after securing the school’s highest ranked recruits, Mason’s classes cannot hold a recruiting candle to James Franklin’s impressive 2013 haul.  A dip in recruiting is one thing; incomparable is an entirely different thing altogether.

247 Sports 2013 Class Ranking:  #26

247 Sports 2014 Class Ranking:  #46

20 spots is not that much you say?  Ask Nick Saban is the #20 classes can compete with his now annual #1 class.

Assistant Coaches:  One would think with the lack of success or apparent game planning, Mason must have gambled on some inexperienced staffers for his inaugural Vanderbilt staff.  I will just leave Vanderbilt’s introduction of Mason’s staff here  and let you come up with the excuses for what vucommodores.com called “ . . . one of the most impressive staffs in Commodore history.”

James Franklin:  Yes. Many playmakers that helped make the 2013 season special for Vanderbilt were unavailable for Mason in 2014.  But the 2012 Commodores also reached 9 wins and had a winning SEC record (5-3).  Franklin disproved the tired excuse of being unable to win at Vandy.  Twice.  Unless you simplify it to bowl eligibility, which Franklin also reached in his inaugural season in 2011.

Next: The Final Verdict