Derek Mason issues statement thanking fans, school following firing at Vanderbilt

Derek Mason’s time as the Vanderbilt head coach is over. The news was announced by the school on Sunday, leading to reaction across social media. And now, the Commodores will move on and look to the future as they begin a search for their next head coach.

Although Mason’s stint didn’t end on a positive note — Vanderbilt fell to 0-8 with a 41-0 loss at Missouri on Saturday — he still appeared to be appreciative of his seven-year tenure leading the Commodores.

After his firing was announced, Mason issued a statement on Twitter in which he praised Vandy and thanked Commodores fans:

God bless and stay safe. ????#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/zrvpTPaGyb

— Derek Mason (@CoachDerekMason) November 29, 2020

Mason went 27-55 during his time at Vanderbilt, never posting a single-season record above .500. He led the Commodores to 6-7 marks in both 2016 and 2018, guiding them to bowl games in each of those seasons. (They lost both of those bowl appearances.)

It was Mason’s first job as a head coach, and while Vandy showed some improvement in previous seasons, it’s likely heading toward a winless campaign in 2020. The Commodores have only one game remaining on their schedule, as they’re set to go on the road to face Georgia on Saturday. Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch will serve as the interim head coach for that game.

Jake Rill

Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.