Sam Mason was a graduate of Tallassee High School and Auburn University. He began his coaching career at Fairfax and Valley high schools and served as Fairfax Recreation Department director for three years.

Mason was a legendary coach in the Opelika school system for 28 years, he led Opelika High School to its only undefeated football season in school history. In 1945 the Bulldogs finished with a perfect 9-0 record.

His overall coaching record at Opelika from 1945-59 was 76-62-7 according to incomplete records.

Mason retired from the Opelika School system in 1971. He served as president of the coaches association and the high school track at Opelika is named in his honor.