Derek Mason Comments on Oklahoma State Hire

STILLWATER – On Wednesday morning, Oklahoma State football and Mike Gundy announced the hire of new defensive coordinator, Derek Mason.

"After meaningful discussions with Coach Gundy these past few weeks about his vision for the program, it became apparent that leading the defense for the Cowboys was the right fit for me," Mason said in the release from the athletic department. "I look forward to working with the student-athletes, coaches and staff as they continue to build a winning culture of success, inclusion and integrity on and off the field."

Mason comes to Stillwater after a successful season last year at Auburn, where the Tigers’ defensive unit improved in several categories.

The OSU Athletic Department included the information on the Auburn defense last year: “In his stint at Auburn last season, the Mason-led Tigers improved by 14.5% in third down defense from 2020 to move up 84 places in the final FBS rankings. Auburn also improved from the previous season in tackles for loss by 1.4 per game (up 65 places), rushing defense by 35 yards per game (up 33 places), first downs allowed by three per game (up 32 places), fourth down defense by 10% (up 21 places), sacks by .33 per game (up 13 places), scoring defense by three points per game (up 11 places) and total defense by 32 yards per game (up two places).

“The 2021 Auburn defense also finished among the FBS leaders in blocked kicks (No. 10), fourth down defense (No. 13), defensive touchdowns (No. 13), tackles for loss (No. 17), scoring defense (No. 27) and rushing defense (No. 29), all while playing with an offense that finished 91st in the FBS in time of possession and ranked in the bottom half of the FBS in total offense and scoring offense.

“Auburn's defense last year did not allow a fourth quarter score in five of its six wins, held consecutive SEC opponents (Ole Miss and Texas A&M) without a passing touchdown for the first time since 2006, surrendered the fewest points in a two-game span (10 in the first two games) since 2007 and held six opponents under 100 yards rushing for the first time since 2010.”