Vanderbilt fires Mason near end of 7th season
Vanderbilt fired head coach Derek Mason, the school announced Sunday.
Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch will take over on an interim basis.
"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," athletic director Candice Storey Lee said in a statement. "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."
Mason spent seven seasons with the Commodores, reaching two bowl games. The 51-year-old never finished a season with a winning record and lost all eight games this year.
Mason arrived in Nashville in 2014 as the replacement for James Franklin, who left for Penn State after posting 24-15 mark across three seasons. He leaves the program with a cumulative record of 27-55.
The Commodores are the only winless team in the SEC. They join South Carolina as schools from their conference with a vacancy at head coach.