Official | Brian Mason Named Notre Dame Special Teams Coordinator
Notre Dame has its special teams coordinator in Brian Mason as the Fighting Irish announced his official hiring on Thursday afternoon.
“In designing our staff, I want to surround our players with coaches who are excellent teachers, relentless recruiters and intentional in building relationships” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said in a statement. “I am excited to introduce Brian Mason as our special teams coordinator, as I know he will be a dynamic fit for our program.
“Brian is the best in his field, and has a proven track record of producing elite special teams units. We look forward to him bringing that edge to Notre Dame.”
Mason spent five years at Cincinnati and interviewed for the Notre Dame job on January 4th. During his time in the Queen City, Mason also coached the “sniper” position, which is a hybrid linebacker/safety role.
The Bearcats went 13-0 in 2021 and were the first Group of 5 program to make the playoff and Mason was given praise for his special teams all year.
Cincinnati led the country in kicks blocked with six while the Bearcats were No. 29 in punt return and No. 28 in kickoff return. More importantly, Cincinnati was No. 3 in the nation in punt return defense as the Bearcats allowed just 1.53 yards in 2021.
Mason coached at Ohio State, Purdue, Kent State and Bluffton before landing at Cincinnati. During his time at Purdue, Mason was a graduate assistant while Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was the linebackers coach for the Boilermakers.
Another benefit of Mason's hiring will be his recruiting presence. Mason was the recruiting coordinator at Cincinnati.
The Brian Mason File
2007-2008: Dension - Student Assistant
2009-2011: Bluffton - Defensive Line
2012: Kent State - GA
2013-2014: Purdue - GA
2015-2016: Ohio State - GA
2017: Cincinnati - Director of Recruiting
2018-2021: Cincinnati - Special Teams Coordinator
2021 Cincinnati Special Teams Rankings (National Ranking)
Blocked Kicks: 6 (1)
Blocked Kicks Allowed: 1 (30)
Blocked Punts: 3 (7)
Blocked Punts Allowed: 0 (1)
Kickoff Return Defense: 18.09 (24)
Kickoff Returns: 23.82 (28)
Punt Return Defense: 1.53 (3)
Punt Return: 10.67 (29)