LANGSTON – Langston University and the Langston University Department of Athletics are shocked and saddened to announce that assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Darryl Mason passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Mason was 63.
“The loss of Coach (Darryl) Mason has left a huge hole in the hearts of his student-athletes, coaching staff, campus, and the football community,” Langston University Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers said. “His passion for the game, work ethic, loyalty, sense of humor and love for Langston University will always be treasured and a part of his legacy.”
“Coach (Darryl) Mason, you will forever be loved and missed. I couldn’t be prouder to have had you by my side, both on and off the field,” Langston University head football coach Quinton Morgan said. “Your impact on our lives is immeasurable, and your legacy will continue to inspire us all. “
Mason served as offensive coordinator for the Lions football program twice, first serving from 2013 to 2015 before returning to the Lions prior to the 2018 season. In his first season back as offensive coordinator, Mason directed an offense that placed him in the top 10 in several statistical categories which included total offense (third), pass offense per game (fifth), scoring offense per game (seventh), and total pass offense (eighth).
In his second tenure, the Lions had a win-loss total of 38-18 since 2018. In that same time frame, Mason helped produce two Associated Press All-American selections, two AFCA All-American selections, two NAIA Football All-America selections, two Sooner Athletic Conference players of the year, one SAC athlete of the year, 12 SAC first-team selections, 13 SAC second-team selections, and 17 SAC honorable mention selections.
Mason’s coaching career spanned nearly four decades which included coaching stops at Minnesota, Southwest Missouri State, Weber State, Northwestern State, UNLV, Idaho State, East Tennessee State, Cheyney (Pa.), UL-Monroe, Tulane, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Bacone College and Arkansas Baptist.
Additionally, Mason was a three-year starter at tight end for Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz at Arkansas from 1978-1981. The Arkansas Razorbacks made four straight bowl appearances during his career, including the 1979 Fiesta and 1980 Sugar Bowls. He also served as captain of the Arkansas team during his senior year, won the Gordon Campbell Senior Spirit Award, and was named All-Southwest Conference.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse W. Mason, Sr, and Levada Levon Parker Mason. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Patricia Mason, Chicago, Illinois, his brothers Jesse Mason (Dr. Gail Reede Jones) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Rev. C. Vernon Mason (Thelma) of New York, New York, Michael D. Mason (Sarah), Little Rock, Arkansas. His Children Derrick Deshaun Mason (Cara), Molly Galloway, and Grandchildren Julian, Myles, and Mason. and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Special Relationship with Denise Walker and children of Harvey, Louisiana Daughter Delichia Gourgis and Son Alex Gourgis III Grandchildren: Danasia, Da’sani, DyNisty, Alex IV, and Daliyah Louis.
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