MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee State University plans to move forward with Derek Mason as its head football coach for the 2026 season, choosing stability as the program works through a challenging rebuilding phase.

The decision follows a 31-17 victory over Sam Houston State in the home finale, a game that halted a long losing stretch and offered a rare bright spot in a difficult year. MTSU enters its final matchup at 2-9, though several of its Conference USA defeats were competitive deep into the fourth quarter.

Mason’s tenure, currently in his second year of a five-year agreement, has included significant hurdles, including early-season setbacks against Austin Peay and first-year FBS members Delaware and Missouri State. Despite the results, university leadership believes the program is inching closer to turning competitive play into consistent wins.

Staff changes have already begun. The wide receivers coach was dismissed in mid-November, and the offensive line coach stepped down shortly before that. Further adjustments could come as Mason prepares for his third season, which administrators regard as critical to the program’s trajectory.

Middle Tennessee wraps up the 2025 season this Saturday (November 29th), traveling to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to face New Mexico State at 2 p.m. CDT. Radio coverage available on WGNS Radio, the flagship station for Blue Raider Athletics.