The Coach Who Changed Two Programs: Where Is Glen Mason Now And His Controversial Legacy?

Few names in college football history evoke such a strong mix of program-building success and controversial exits as Glen Mason. As of December 17, 2025, the former head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Kansas Jayhawks remains a relevant figure in the sport, not just for his on-field legacy but for his surprising second career off the sidelines.

Mason is widely credited with instilling a "serious business" mentality into two historically struggling Big 12 and Big Ten programs, leading them to multiple bowl victories and a fundamental shift in recruiting and competitiveness. His tenure defined an era of power football in the Midwest, but a dramatic collapse and subsequent firing left his coaching chapter with an asterisk. Today, he balances a successful executive career with a continued presence in college football media.

Glen Mason: A Complete Coaching and Executive Biography

Glen Orin Mason (born April 9, 1950) is an American former college football player and coach who became renowned for his program-building abilities across three universities. A former Ohio State linebacker, Mason’s coaching journey saw him take on some of the most challenging jobs in college football, culminating in a decade-long tenure in the Big Ten Conference.

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• Full Name: Glen Orin Mason
• Born: April 9, 1950 (Age 75 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Bellaire, Ohio
• Alma Mater: Ohio State University (1972)
• Playing Career: Linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
• Total Head Coaching Record (NCAA): 123–121–1 (Across Kent State, Kansas, and Minnesota)
• Current Role (Post-Coaching): Senior Vice President at Marquette Asset Management, Inc. (Financial Executive)
• Media Role: College football analyst and host of "Mase In Your Face!" on various platforms.

Coaching Career Timeline and Key Achievements:

• Kent State Golden Flashes (1986–1987): Mason’s first head coaching job. He led the team to a 7–4 record in 1987, which was the program's first winning season in more than a decade, showcasing his immediate ability to turn a program around.
• Kansas Jayhawks (1988–1996): Mason's nine-year tenure at Kansas established him as a major program builder. He guided the Jayhawks to two bowl victories, including a win in the 1992 Aloha Bowl and the 1995 Aloha Bowl, finishing the 1995 season ranked No. 9 nationally. His final record at Kansas was 47–54–1.
• Minnesota Golden Gophers (1997–2006): Taking over a struggling Big Ten program, Mason led the Gophers to six bowl appearances in his 10 seasons, a significant achievement for the program at the time. His best season was 2003, where the team achieved a 10–3 record. He amassed 64 total wins during his time in Minneapolis.

The Power-Running Philosophy That Defined an Era

Glen Mason’s football philosophy was clear, powerful, and perfectly suited for the Midwest: establish a strong, consistent running game. This focus on a physical, ground-and-pound attack became the trademark of his teams at both Kansas and Minnesota.

This strategy was not just about offense; it was about controlling the flow of the game, wearing down opponents, and instilling a tough-minded culture. At Minnesota, this philosophy directly led to the recruitment and development of some of the most talented running backs in Gophers history, most notably the legendary Barber family. Marion Barber III, a future NFL star, thrived under Mason's system, solidifying the coach's legacy for identifying and utilizing elite talent in the backfield.

Mason’s approach was instrumental in changing the perception of the Minnesota program. He provided a "necessary kick in the pants" for the university to understand that college football required a deep commitment and was "serious business." This shift in organizational culture and on-field toughness is considered a major component of his lasting legacy in Minneapolis.

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The Controversial End and His Surprising Second Career

Despite his success in making the Golden Gophers a perennial bowl team, Mason’s coaching tenure ended abruptly and controversially. The pivotal moment came in the 2006 Insight Bowl against Texas Tech. The Gophers built a seemingly insurmountable 31-point lead in the third quarter, only to suffer a historic collapse, losing the game in overtime 44–41.

Just two days after the devastating loss, on December 31, 2006, University of Minnesota Athletics Director Joel Maturi announced that Glen Mason had been dismissed as head coach. The firing, which came exactly one year after the Gophers had also blown a large lead in the same bowl game, was a shock to many and marked the end of his three-decade-long coaching career.

Since his dismissal, Mason has successfully transitioned into a completely different professional field, while still maintaining his connection to the sport he loves.

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From Head Coach to Senior Vice President

Mason's most surprising career move was his pivot to the finance world. He is currently serving as a Senior Vice President at Marquette Asset Management, Inc., a role that utilizes his leadership, communication, and management skills developed over years of running major college football programs.

This executive role shows a remarkable versatility, proving that his ability to build and manage a complex organization extended far beyond the gridiron. He has consistently denied rumors of returning to coaching, including a reported offer from the University of New Mexico, choosing instead to focus on his financial career.

Glen Mason as a College Football Analyst

While his main job is in finance, Mason has remained a familiar voice in college football circles. He regularly appears as a commentator and analyst, sharing his deep knowledge of the Big Ten and the sport in general. His media presence is kept fresh through appearances on radio and podcast shows, including his own segment titled "Mase In Your Face!" This role allows him to provide current commentary on the College Football Playoff, recruiting trends, and the evolution of the Big Ten, keeping his perspective relevant and updated for today's fans.

Glen Mason’s story is a testament to what a determined coach can achieve in difficult environments. He took two programs—Kansas and Minnesota—and elevated them to a level of success they had rarely seen, establishing a powerful legacy of toughness and achievement. Though his coaching career ended on a controversial note, his continued engagement with the sport and his success in a demanding executive role ensure that the name Glen Mason remains a significant entity in the history of college athletics and beyond.