Categories: College University Athletics

University of Central Florida Welcomes Scott Frost Back as Head Coach

Scott Frost inspires the team as he returns to coach UCF's football program.

News Summary

Scott Frost is returning to the University of Central Florida (UCF) as the head football coach, aiming to invigorate the Knights’ program amid a challenging transition to the Big 12 Conference. With a reshaped roster and an underdog mentality, he plans to address gaps left by departing players while hoping to replicate past successes. Despite skepticism surrounding UCF’s competitiveness in their new conference, Frost’s experience and positive outlook bring hope for the team as they embark on a pivotal season.

Orlando Welcomes Back Scott Frost as Head Football Coach

Orlando, Florida – Scott Frost is set to return to the University of Central Florida (UCF) as the head football coach following a tumultuous spell at Nebraska, where he was dismissed in September 2022. This marks yet another chapter in Frost’s coaching journey, with the aim of revitalizing the Knights’ football program amidst significant changes ahead.

UCF is preparing for a transition to the Big 12 Conference, a significant shift from their previous affiliation with the American Athletic Conference. The move presents a host of new challenges for the Knights, including an influx of talent as the team integrates over 60 newcomers into the roster, a process that complicates efforts to fill the gaps left by key departing players. Experts predict that UCF is likely to be ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 preseason media polls, raising skepticism about their capability to compete at this new level.

Frost, however, seems to embrace an underdog mentality for the upcoming season. He voices optimism that the team could replicate turnaround success similar to that seen with Arizona State during their last season. Currently, the Knights return only four starters from the previous year, making their situation particularly challenging compared to other teams in power conferences.

Despite the doubts surrounding UCF’s future, Frost maintains a positive outlook. He has expressed that he appreciates the challenges of being underestimated. Historically, this underdog status has often played to UCF’s advantage. Through his prior experiences, Frost has learned and adapted as both a person and a coach, gaining valuable insights from his time away from UCF and following his stint in the NFL.

Former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton has praised Frost’s coaching style, describing it as both straightforward and effective. This approach, along with Frost’s familiarity with the program, has left the athletics director, Terry Mohajir, optimistic about his return and its implications for the future of UCF football.

Frost’s prior tenure at Nebraska was disappointing, highlighted by a 16-31 record filled with multiple narrow defeats. After his release, he took time to focus on personal matters and briefly ventured into coaching flag football before finding a role with the Los Angeles Rams as a senior analyst. This experience has reinvigorated his coaching approach, allowing him a fresh perspective on the game.

The UCF football program has seen various coaching changes over the last decade, indicating a pressing need for stability as they embark on this new journey in the Big 12. Frost’s contract underscores the confidence placed in his capability to lead the program forward. It starts at $3.9 million with potential earnings reaching $5 million by the 2029-30 season, alongside additional performance bonuses for championships.

As Frost returns to UCF, he is not only tasked with building a competitive team but also with restoring pride and presence in a new conference. With a reshaped roster and the embracing of an underdog mentality, the Knights are poised to embark on a pivotal season, where overcoming expectations could define their path forward in collegiate football.