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Tom Mason (born 1956) is an [American football coach] and the defensive coordinator at Southern Methodist University. Mason is known for his effective defensive schemes, player development, special teams knowledge, and recruiting skills. Mason was hired by head coach June Jones to help restore the SMU program from it's 1983 death penalty.

Early Life

Tom Mason was born in Montana in 1956. Mason was a three sport letterman at Walla Walla High School in Walla Walla, Washington lettering in football, basketball, and track. Mason was a high school linebacker and tight end - all conference player and player of the year. He then went on to play linebacker in college at the University of Nevada Reno. Mason earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and later while coaching at Eastern Washington University earned a Masters of Science Degree in Post Secondary education.

Coaching Career in NCAA Division II, I-AA (FCS level)

As a graduate student, then full time coach Mason began his coaching career at Eastern Washington University where he coache linebackers and special teams. He then joined head coach Pokey Allen as Defensive Coordinator at Portland State University where they participated in the Division II playoffs 6 out of 7 years with two Division II Nationsl Championship games. Leaving with Pokey Allen to then Division IAA Boise State, as Defensive Coordinator Mason helped lead Boise State to the Division IAA National Championship game in 1994.

Coaching Career in NCAA Division I-A (FBS level)

Returning to his alma mater the University of Nevada Reno Mason continued in the role as Defensive Coordinator. After stints in the CFL with the BC Lions and the XFL League, Mason returned to the collegiate level as linebackers coach at Fresno State University before returning to the role of Defensive Coordinator at SMU.