NASHVILLE – Vanderbilt fired Derek Mason on Sunday, a day after the Commodores lost 41-0 at Missouri to fall to 0-8 in his seventh season as the school’s football coach.
“This was a difficult decision, but I know this change is necessary,” athletic director Candice Lee said in Vanderbilt’s release announcing the move. “We wish Derek and his entire family the best.”
Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch will serve as the interim head coach for the Commodores, who play at Georgia (6-2) at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Southeastern Conference is playing only league games this season. Vanderbilt also is working to reschedule its final home game against Tennessee, which the SEC postponed to help Missouri catch up on games played.
Mason posted a statement on Twitter thanking Nashville and Vanderbilt for embracing his family and expressing gratitude for his time as coach of the Commodores.