I actually think it’s a bad move for them. Not that I consider Mason to be the long-term answer, but with all they’ve had to contend with due to Covid, and playing just a conference schedule that includes UF, Alabama A&M and uga, I’m not sure what they’re expecting. Their best chance at a win was probably ut and he never even got to play it. If by chance they won that contest, that’s possibly a 4-win season under normal circumstances. Pretty much their sweet spot outside of a few years where stars align.
The OL I know loves him. I also know a linebacker there, same thing, loves the guy. I've known the OL his entire life, I held him when he was a baby. He's a good kid, very smart, going to be an engineer. He had other offers (IIRC Pitt, Louisville, FAU and even an Ivy) but took Vandy because they play in the SEC. The GPA requirements are pretty tough for the coaching staff on the recruiting trail. Mason seems like a solid guy and a good coach. I agree with
@soflagator getting rid of him is probably a bad move.
We took my daughter to tour Vandy. Between Duke, UNC, Wake Forest, and UF, Vandy was the nicest school and it's also in a happening town. She could have went to any of them but ultimately chose UF and she's been having a ball. Saved us a ton of $ because of Florida Prepaid and Bright Futures.
Having said what I said above that they made a bad move, if you look at the job from a 10,000 view, with the right coach, Vandy could be competitive because of all the school and Nashville offers. Franklin won there, IIRC he had two good years. They win NCs in other sports. They have a lot to offer certain kids. But it's all about recruiting because of the academic requirements.