Vanderbilt’s new AD must be a believer in Derek Mason.

As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words and Vanderbilt’s recent announcement to give Mason a contract extension is all the action necessary to prove the administration’s faith in the program’s football coach. Due to the fact Vanderbilt is a private institution, the school does not release contract information for its coaches.

No details of Mason’s new deal were announced by the school, aside from declaring Mason had been extended in Nashville.

During his five years at Vanderbilt, Mason has a 24-38 overall record with a 9-31 record in SEC play. While he has yet to have a winning season in Nashville, Mason does have a 3-2 record against Tennessee, which may be reason enough to extend his deal. Mason has also led Vanderbilt to a win over Kirby Smart’s Georgia team, which is something few SEC coaches can say they have accomplished.

In addition to giving Mason a contract extension, Vanderbilt announced golf coach Scott Limbaugh and bowling coach John Williamson have also received extensions.

“We are excited to keep Derek, John and Scott on West End for years to come,” Vandy AD David Turner said via statement. “Their leadership remains vital to building Vanderbilt’s consistent level of success. We look forward to continuing to find additional ways to help grow and support these and all of our varsity programs as we compete for championships.”

As noted in Vanderbilt’s press release, the Commodores beat Tennessee last season, which marked the school’s third consecutive win over its in-state rival and fifth win in seven years. Prior to 2018, Vanderbilt had not beaten Tennessee in three consecutive years since 1926.