Vanderbilt head football coach Derek Mason was honored by the Metro Council April 15 with the reading of a resolution welcoming him to Nashville.
“Whereas, leading an exemplary coaching and support staff, Coach Derek Mason will share his vast knowledge and passion for the game of football with his players at Vanderbilt … it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize and welcome (him) and wish him much success as he joins the SEC and Vanderbilt University,” Resolution No. RS2014-1011 reads.
The resolution was sponsored by Councilmember Edith Langster and co-sponsored by Councilmember Burkley Allen.
Langster also arranged for Mason to meet with Mayor Karl Dean prior to a reception with members of the Metro Council and Nashville citizens.
Read the full text of the resolution below.
Resolution No. RS2014-1011
A resolution recognizing and welcoming Derek Mason as the new head football coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Whereas, Derek Mason became the 28th head coach of Vanderbilt football on Jan. 17, 2014, and in accepting the position, he became the second African American head football coach in the school’s history; and
Whereas, Coach Mason began his coaching career in 1994 at Mesa Community College and continued his coaching journey through Weber State, Idaho State, Bucknell, Utah, St. Mary’s, New Mexico State, Ohio, the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL and Stanford before he found himself being named the head coach at Vanderbilt University of the SEC; and
Whereas, Coach Mason will have his first SEC home game against the Ole Miss Rebels on Sept. 6, 2014, and his first SEC away game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Sept. 27; and
Whereas, leading an exemplary coaching and support staff, Coach Derek Mason will share his vast knowledge and passion for the game of football with his players at Vanderbilt; and
Whereas, Coach Mason is a man of true character and commitment, exemplifies dedication and leadership, respected for his tireless efforts to excel, and is always guided by solid principals and high standards; and
Whereas, Coach Mason is joined here in Nashville with his loving wife, Leighanne, and his two beautiful daughters; and
Whereas, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize and welcome Derek Mason and wish him much success as he joins the SEC and Vanderbilt University.
Now therefore, be it resolved by the council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and welcoming Derek Mason as the new head football coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council office is directed to prepare a copy of this resolution to be presented to Head Coach Derek Mason.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
The resolution was sponsored by Metro councilmembers Edith Taylor Langster, Burkley Allen, Charlie Tygard, Tim Garrett, Megan Barry, Sheri Weiner, Phil Claiborne, Jason Holleman, Ronnie Steine, Peter Westerholm, Karen Bennett, Lonnell Matthews, Erica Gilmore, Karen Johnson, Buddy Baker, Scott Davis, Doug Pardue, Sandra Moore, Chris Harmon, Robert Duvall, Jason Potts, Bill Pridemore, Tony Tenpenny, Walter Hunt, Jerry Maynard, Frank Harrison, Duane Dominy, Davette Blalock, Sheri Weiner, Jacobia Dowell, Bruce Stanley, Emily Evans, Bo Mitchell, Carter Todd, Anthony Davis and Josh Stites.
Contact: Mary Pat Teague, (615) 322-8337
marypat.teague@vanderbilt.edu