Mike Gundy discusses Oklahoma State defense’s transition under new coordinator Derek Mason
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Mike Gundy is happy to have Derek Mason in Stillwater.
After spending the past 8 seasons in the SEC, Mason will be coaching in the Big 12 this fall. Ohio State hired away Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, so Gundy filled the opening by bringing in Mason.
Gundy was asked about the transition from Knowles to Mason on Wednesday at Big 12 Media Days.
“Well, Derek has been fantastic,” the Oklahoma State head coach told reporters. “It’s been a smooth transition. He’s a first-class person. He understands loyalty and hard work. He has a great relationship with the players.
“I became interested in him when I found out — well, obviously I knew about his history in being a head coach, being a coordinator, being in successful programs, and so the players have rallied around him, and the transition has been very smooth. Couldn’t be more happier.”
Mason has been in coaching since 1994. In 2014, he was hired as Vanderbilt’s new head coach after serving as Stanford’s defensive coordinator. Mason was in his seventh season with the Commodores when he was let go in 2020. His record as Vanderbilt’s head coach was 27-55 overall (10-46 in conference play), taking VU to 2 bowl games. In 2021, Mason joined Bryan Harsin’s staff Auburn staff as defensive coordinator.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
