OT: Derek Mason out at Vandy

Submitted by bamf_16 on November 29th, 2020 at 3:17 PM

On Harbaugh’s staff at Stanford, DC for them in their Rose Bowl years.

 

Assuming Harbaugh back next year, could Mason be a replacement for Don Brown?

 

(Still think Shoop was brought in as insurance against Brown but 2020 happened to him)

DGM06

November 29th, 2020 at 4:29 PM ^

Seeing other programs making timely decisions on their future while Michigan patiently waits for this disastrous season to conclude is beyond frustrating. Each day that Michigan doesn’t make a decision (fire or extend Harbaugh) is another opportunity for other schools to chip away at the recruiting class. Why would any prospect with options sign on early signing day (December 16th, before the cross-divisional games of championship week) not knowing who they’re going to play for next season? Warde has about 2 weeks to make a decision before his lack of decision ends up hurting whoever the coach is in ‘21. 

ERdocLSA2004

November 29th, 2020 at 10:57 PM ^

^^^this.  It’s time to extend or fire.  Everyday we wait is a missed opportunity.  There are already some whispers that Campbells name is being thrown around for the Lions job.  Things aren’t getting better, Manuel needs to make a public decision tomorrow so we have a direction forward.

Hail to the Vi…

November 29th, 2020 at 3:52 PM ^

I don't think people necessarily want him back, just the acceptance stage of the grief cycle that the drum beat from those close to the athletic department are acknowledging he is going to get his extension. 

If that's true, all we can hope is JH is willing to take an honest look at the state of his program and realize he has got adjust and grow as a head coach. Whatever this monstrosity is that he's created will not be tolerated past 2020. It's only being tolerated now because it seems like it has to be.

Carpetbagger

November 29th, 2020 at 6:24 PM ^

I'm fine with Harbaugh back. His track record before this season should grant him a second chance.

But I want the staffs gutted. Harbaugh has created total disfunction on both sides of the ball. Cure that and I think this team can be a winner again. Or at least get back to "close to beating OSU" level.

KBLOW

November 29th, 2020 at 7:25 PM ^

So you think (and IMO correctly) that after all this time Harbaugh has created total dysfunction on both sides of the ball...and you're fine with him coming back? Harbaugh can't cure the problems that he created in the first place. This is who he is and new coaching staff won't fix that. 

Carpetbagger

November 29th, 2020 at 8:05 PM ^

Well yes, it stands to reason that if he can fix it he has acknowledged the problem, and likely his hand in it. If he can't, next year will also be a tire fire and he will have used up his second chance.

He has a sound coaching history, I have no problem giving him a second shot at his alma mater if he wants it.

dearbornpeds

November 29th, 2020 at 3:29 PM ^

ESPN lists possible replacements for Mason and no fewer than five of the names have been mentioned as replacements for Harbaugh on this board.  Are we now at the level of competing with Vanderbilt for coaching talent?

Megumin

November 29th, 2020 at 3:47 PM ^

There are only so many good coaching talents available, makes sense that similar names would be targeted for available head coaching jobs.

Besides, I don't see guys like Fickell or Campbell on the list, since their setups are probably more stable then getting chewed up by the SEC yearly. On that list, only Allen (Indiana) and Elliott (Clemson) really strike me as Michigan targets.

Megumin

November 29th, 2020 at 5:34 PM ^

Honestly makes a lot of sense. ND has been a really solid program (that one game where we whipped them aside) while he's been around and if I can borrow a term from around here, he's a "Vandy guy", being an alumni and all. That probably shouldn't matter that much, but definitely does in coaching searches.

R. J. MacReady

November 29th, 2020 at 5:46 PM ^

No.  No.  And ..... no.   UM coaching staff needs major rework from top to bottom.  If JH stays, I honestly do not believe he has it in him to do what must be done.  He is too close to Michigan program and cannot look objectively at the mammoth changes required. I am not sure what the extension buys you unless the old JH is back from 2016, which I am not seeing it. 

MJ14

November 29th, 2020 at 6:50 PM ^

Mason is not a great head coach, but he is definitely a great defensive coordinator. 
 

Last season was much better; Mason fired his defensive coordinator and made himself the new DC. They finished 22nd nationally in scoring defense, 28th in total defense. They surrendered just 350.6 yards per game.

an anonymous SEC assistant coach said: “I’m not exaggerating when I say this: Derek Mason is as good of a defensive coach as there is in the world.

Mason also utilizes what he calls a “Joker” better known around here as a Viper. Roughly the same concept. He has recruited at two nationally elite academic schools. Coached in the Rose Bowl.
 

Just to let everyone know Harbaugh will be at Michigan next year. Best case scenario is he brings Mason in, who he has worked with before or another young SEC guy that can recruit. Harbaugh has to do something on the defensive side. Mason would be an upgrade and probably one on the best defensive coordinators in the Big Ten from day one. 

TheWolverine_13

November 29th, 2020 at 7:15 PM ^

Huh, I actually like the idea of getting Mason if you have to keep Harbaugh. Mason was a defensive coordinator and a defensive backs coach. 

While I trust someone else with the job more than Harbaugh at this point, this is likely a more realistic move. Move quickly Jim, bring this man to Michigan.

scfanblue

November 29th, 2020 at 7:24 PM ^

The entire saga is all about recruiting and in the world of perception right now, Harbaugh is making Michigan look horrible. Can you imagine a highly recruited LB wanting to go play for Don Brown where all he will do is maybe not play at all or just be coached to blitz every snap OR cover a slot receiver man to man? I do feel for the kids in that program right now. They are not getting what they came for and chances are there will be a number of transfers for next year. Sad 

MGoStrength

November 29th, 2020 at 7:32 PM ^

Is Art Briles a name people would accept?  Outside of his scandal that he got fired for, which I know, I know we don't want any sexual assault scandals.  But, if we can hypothetically say he learned his lesson and moved on.  He runs a spread offense we like.  He's been a successful HC and a P5 program and made them good.  He's developed several very good QBs.  He likely has recruiting ties in an important state.  Would we be interested and forgive his previous issues since they weren't football specific?

MGoStrength

November 30th, 2020 at 8:57 AM ^

I don't get why people get all pissy pants about a suggestion they don't like.  This is a message board where we talk about stuff.  You aren't supposed to DV people or be rude because you disagree.  I didn't even post an argument.  I just posed a question if we'd be interested.  Saying no and explaining why is a perfectly fine answer.  The rest of the nonsense people post in response is not.  We're supposed to be on the same team here.  Play nice with each other people.  No wonder some other fan bases get annoyed at UM fans for being arrogant, sheesh.

skatin@the_palace

November 30th, 2020 at 7:17 AM ^

Derek Mason is a helluva coach. Sucks things couldn’t get better at Vandy with him at the helm. That program has been a mess for a long time. I know Frames had success there, but that was also when Florida and Georgia were both a bit down and Mizzou was eastern champs in the SEC. 

I remember thinking he’d be a good get after Hoke if they couldn’t get Harbaugh.