May 9, 2025

University of Central Florida Rehires Scott Frost as Football Coach

News Summary

The University of Central Florida has announced the return of Scott Frost as the head coach of the UCF Knights football team, signing him to a five-year contract valued at $22.1 million. This contract reflects the university’s confidence in Frost’s ability to revive the football program following the departure of Gus Malzahn. Frost led UCF to a memorable undefeated season in 2017, and his new contract includes performance bonuses and salary increases, aiming to strengthen the team’s competitiveness in college football.

Orlando, FL – The UCF Knights football team is set to welcome back Scott Frost as their head coach, signing him to a five-year contract valued at $22.1 million. Frost’s contract includes provisions for automatic extensions and performance bonuses, reflecting the trust the university is placing in his leadership as they aim to elevate the football program.

Following the departure of Gus Malzahn, who left to take on the role of offensive coordinator at Florida State, the University of Central Florida brought back Frost in December 2024 to lead the Knights. His contract, which starts on July 1, 2025, and runs through January 31, 2030, also includes a remarkable salary structure, beginning at $3.9 million for his first season. This will be a slight decrease from his last year at Nebraska, where he earned $4 million.

The agreed-upon contract stipulates a yearly salary increase, culminating at $5 million in the final season of the deal. Additionally, if the Knights qualify for a bowl game this season, the contract will automatically extend for another year, signaling a commitment to competitiveness in college football.

Frost’s potential for performance-related bonuses includes $75,000 for reaching a conference championship game and $100,000 for participating in a College Football Playoff game. He can earn further bonuses based on team performance metrics, specifically if UCF ranks in the top 20 nationally in eight designated statistical categories.

Frost is no stranger to UCF, having previously served as the head coach from 2016 to 2017. During his first tenure, he guided the Knights to a 13-0 record in 2017, leading the team to a conference championship and a bowl victory over Auburn, ultimately finishing the season ranked No. 6 nationally. His success at UCF was followed by a challenging stint at Nebraska from 2018 to 2022, where he struggled to maintain winning records, with a final record of 16-31 before being dismissed early in the 2022 season.

After a year away from coaching, Frost served on the staff of the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, during which time UCF sought a new direction for its football program. The return of Frost is seen as a strategic move to recapture the momentum he once generated at UCF.

The financial obligations of the contract also include stipulations regarding severance and buyout amounts. Should UCF choose to terminate Frost’s contract, they are required to pay 75% of his guaranteed compensation. If Frost were to leave voluntarily before specific dates, the buyout escalates, starting at $6.5 million if he departs before June 30, 2026, progressively decreasing to $2.5 million if he leaves after July 1, 2029, but before the last game of the 2029 regular season.

The Knights are scheduled to kick off their upcoming season against Jacksonville State of Alabama on August 28 at FBC Mortgage Stadium, marking the start of a new chapter under Frost’s leadership. With high expectations set for the season ahead, the UCF community is eager to see how the program will perform under the returning coach.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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