Alabama News AUBURN, Ala.—Former Vanderbilt head coach and Stanford defensive coordinator, Derek Mason, has been named Auburn’s defensive coordinator, head coach Bryan Harsin announced Thursday. “Derek Mason is one of the best defensive minds in college football and his track record speaks for itself,” Harsin said. “I’ve always admired his ability to prepare his defenses and his approach with players on and off the field is outstanding. Having experience as a head coach in the Southeastern Conference is invaluable and he will bring a lot to our program. We’re fired up to have Coach Mason join the Auburn family.”