Auburn named former South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason as the team’s new offensive and defensive coordinators on Thursday.
Auburn is also hiring South Carolina offensive line coach Will Friend, sources told ESPN.
On Monday, the South Carolina board of trustees approved contracts for Bobo and Friend, who were hired to be a part of new Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer’s staff. Bobo was set to receive a two-year deal that would have paid him $1.2 million per season; Friend, who coached at Tennessee last year, would have received a two-year contract that paid $700,000 annually. It is unclear whether they signed the contracts.
Bobo and Friend are joining new Auburn coach Bryan Harsin’s staff. Harsin replaced Gus Malzahn, who was fired last month after eight seasons with the Tigers. The 44-year-old Harsin was 69-19 with three Mountain West titles in seven seasons at Boise State, his alma mater.
“I have a great amount of respect for Coach Harsin, both as a coach and as a person,” Bobo said in a statement. “I competed against him for five years as a head coach and we’ve talked ball on numerous occasions over the years. I know what he’s about and his commitment to excellence. I know that Auburn is a great community with a tremendous passion for and commitment to Auburn football. I’m excited to get started and look forward to helping Coach Harsin compete for championships.”
Mason was Stanford’s defensive coordinator in 2012-13 and Vanderbilt’s head coach from 2014 to 2020. Mason was fired after the Commodores went 0-8 this past season. He had a 27-55 record in seven seasons at Vanderbilt. He is the sixth-winningest coach in program history and only the second to lead the Commodores to two bowl games.
“Derek Mason is one of the best defensive minds in college football and his track record speaks for itself,” Harsin said in a statement. “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.”
Boise State defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, who has worked under Harsin the past two seasons, will be joining the staff to coach linebackers and likely will be co-defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN.