The Derek Mason era is over at Vanderbilt.
The program made the decision on Sunday following Vanderbilt’s 41-0 loss to Missouri on Saturday.
Vanderbilt, 0-8 on the season to date, is the only winless team in the Southeastern Conference.
With Mason out, Vanderbilt offensive coordinator Todd Fitch has been named interim coach.
Vandy AD Candice Storey Lee issued the following statement following the news:
“On behalf of the entire Vanderbilt community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Coach Mason for his many years of dedication and service leading our football program,” Lee said. “Derek cares deeply about the student-athletes under his charge. His tenure at Vanderbilt will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to our student-athletes, not only on the field, but in the classroom and as young people.”
Now in his seventh season at Vanderbilt, Mason had yet to lead the program to a winning record. His overall record with the program finishes at 27-54.
During his time in Nashville, Vanderbilt did make two bowl games (the 2016 Independence Bowl and the 2018 Texas Bowl) but the Commodores lost each postseason game. The highlight of Mason’s tenure came when he defeated Tennessee three seasons in a row, the first Vanderbilt coach to do so dating back to the 1920s.
SDS will have more on this developing story
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
