Stanford has promoted outside linebackers coach Lance Anderson to defensive coordinator, the school announced Friday.

The move had been rumored for days following the departure of Derek Mason, who accepted the head coaching position at Vanderbilt last week.

"Lance has worked under two of the best defensive minds in football in Vic Fangio and Derek Mason," Stanford coach David Shaw said in a statement. "He will continue our defensive tradition of being aggressive, being physical and setting the tone for how we play football here at Stanford University."

Anderson is entering his eighth season with the Cardinal. He coached outside linebackers the past four years and coached defensive tackles prior to that. He will continue to work with outside linebackers along with his new responsibilities as defensive coordinator.

Lance Anderson, who has been an assistant coach for seven seasons at Stanford, was promoted to defensive coordinator under David Shaw. Peyton Williams/Getty Images

Stanford's outside linebackers have been central to the team's back-to-back Pac-12 championships and Rose Bowl appearances. The Cardinal's defense has ranked in the top 15 nationally in efficiency the past three seasons.

Outside linebacker Trent Murphy led the nation with 15 sacks in 2013. Stanford was one of just five teams last season to allow fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. In 2012, the Cardinal set a school record with 57 sacks.

Anderson arrived at Stanford in 2007 with former coach Jim Harbaugh; the two had worked together at the University of San Diego. Prior to that, he coached at Utah State, Saint Mary's, Bucknell and Idaho State, his alma mater.