Derek Mason, who was reportedly linked to the defensive coordinator opening at Oklahoma State, is set to leave his position at Auburn.

Mason will move on from Auburn, and linebackers coach/assistant head coach Jeff Schmedding is expected to be promoted to defensive coordinator, Matt Zenitz of On3 Sports reported.

Auburn last season ranked fourth in the SEC in fewest yards per play allowed, and Mason seemed to have the Auburn defense in a good position entering the 2022 season. Mason’s departure followed coach Bryan Harsin firing offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, and the Tigers replaced Bobo with former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Austin Davis.

Schmedding stepped in for Harsin as the “in-person” head coach about 5 months ago when Harsin tested positive for COVID-19.

Schmedding came with Harsin from Boise State, as he spent the previous 2 seasons on Harsin’s staff at Boise State as the defensive coordinator (play caller) for the Broncos.

Before Boise, Schmedding spent 15 seasons at FCS Eastern Washington, and one of his highlights came in 2018 when the Eagles’ defense was first in the FCS in defensive touchdowns scored and second in forced turnovers.

Schmedding served as EWU’s defensive coordinator from 2015-18, while he also safeties and rovers. He spent seven seasons (2008-14) as the Eagles’ special teams coordinator, coaching linebackers (2008-09), safeties and nickels (2010-14) during that time, according to his Boise bio.