This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Nasvhille, Tenn. • Vanderbilt took less than a week before filling its vacant head football coaching position, announcing Friday the university had tabbed Stanford defensive coordinator Derek Mason.

"I am so excited to be at Vanderbilt," Mason said in a release. "This university combines the best of what's good about college athletics and academics. We expect to be competitive and look forward to competing for an SEC East crown."

Mason, 44, has spent the past four seasons at Stanford where academic requirements and recruiting challenges are similar to Vanderbilt. He replaces James Franklin who left for Penn State on Jan. 11.

Stanford allowed only 19 points per game last season, best in the offensive-oriented Pac-12 Conference and 10th nationally. The Cardinal also led the country with 44 sacks.

The Associated Press