Don't Expect Vanderbilt Staff Changes From Mason Anytime Soon

Derek Mason doesn't seem like the thought of making changes to his coaching staff during the final six week of the season has crossed his mind.

He never said the word "no" in relation to questions about potential staff changes for the Vanderbilt Commodores football team, but the response was loud and clear.

Head coach Derek Mason was asked if he had considered potential changes in his staff or possibly changing responsibilites of some coaches. His answer left no doubt that no changes should be expected anytime soon. 

"You don't get into the fog of war and start shooting at the man next to you," said Mason. "What are we doing here? We talk about being family, that's not what we do." 

Based on that, one should assume that he has no plans for change, at least during the remainer of this football season. 

It would not be a first for Mason as the head coach of the Commodores to make changes midseason, he assumed duties of calling defensive plays previously, but even that seems out of the question now. 

The discussion of staff changes, along with a change at the head coaching position became a hot topic on social media almost immediately after the loss to UNLV last Saturday, though there were rumblings the week prior after the Commodores poor performance against Ole Miss. 

While coaching certainly gets some of the blame for the current situation, ultimately players have to make plays and for whatever reason, some key members of this squad have been inexplicably absent of late. 

That's not a defense of coaching or an indictment of players, both must function together for things to work as expected. It's obvious that whatever issues are plaguing the Commodores are more than just one or two. 

How to fix them is the number one challenge for Mason and his staff now, otherwise new athletic director Malcolm Turner, who has been quite, at least publicly about the situation with his football team might take the final decisions out of Mason's hands. 

Turner was not shy about removing head basketball coach Bryce Drew in favor of Jerry Stackhouse. A similar move would not be a surprise if Mason is unable to salvage something from the final six games of this season.

Salvaging the end of a season would not be something new for Mason, he's done it before, but perhaps this time there's even more riding on it than just a bowl game.