The buzz around Orlando has reached a fever pitch as Scott Frost makes his triumphant return to the University of Central Florida to lead the Knights football program. Nearly six years after guiding UCF to a perfect 13-0 season in 2017 and a self-proclaimed national championship, Frost is back, ready to rebuild the program and reignite the spark that once made the Knights a powerhouse in college football.
UCF Athletics officially announced the hiring during a press conference on December 7, 2024, citing Frost’s deep connection to the program and his proven track record of success as key reasons for his return. The move comes after UCF parted ways with Gus Malzahn, signaling a new chapter in the program’s quest for dominance in the Big 12 Conference.
“This place holds a special place in my heart,” Frost said during the announcement. “UCF is where I experienced one of the most memorable seasons of my career, and I’m thrilled to be back to build something even greater.”
Frost’s 2017 campaign with UCF remains legendary. The Knights delivered a flawless season capped by a thrilling Peach Bowl victory over Auburn, cementing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. After his departure to Nebraska, the Knights continued to compete at a high level but struggled in recent seasons to reclaim the same level of prominence.
After an unforgettable two-year run that saw the UCF football program rise to national prominence, Scott Frost is coming back home. Known for sparking the “Charge On” spirit and guiding UCF to its first perfect season, Frost has been named the next head football coach at UCF by Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir. Frost and UCF agreed on a five-year contract through the 2029 season.
“Today marks an exciting reunion for UCF Football as we welcome back Scott Frost, a coach who ignites the spirit and passion of Knight Nation,” Mohajir said. “Scott’s love for his players along with his leadership, enthusiasm and vision were pivotal in making the decision to bring him back to UCF. Throughout this national search, his passion for UCF was clear. I believe no one wanted to lead our program more than Scott.”
Frost originally served as UCF’s head coach from 2016 to 2017, culminating in a historic 13-0 season, an AAC championship and a national championship that captured the nation’s attention. In his final game, Frost guided UCF to a victory over No. 7 Auburn in the 2018 Peach Bowl, securing the program’s first undefeated season in school history.
Frost posted the greatest two-year turnaround in college football history at UCF, inheriting a 0-12 team in 2015 and taking the Knights to a perfect season in his second and final year, when he was named the national coach of the year.
Frost began his coaching career at Northern Iowa in 2007 as a linebackers coach and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2008. That season, his defense excelled, tying for third in the FCS with 40 takeaways and ranking ninth in scoring defense, allowing just 17.7 points per game. The 12-3 Panthers also led the Missouri Valley Football Conference in both rushing defense (107.1 yards per game) and scoring defense.
In 2009, Frost joined the Oregon coaching staff as the wide receivers coach under head coach Chip Kelly and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Over his four seasons in this role, Oregon appeared in four consecutive BCS bowls, and three of Frost’s wide receivers earned invitations to NFL camps.
After Kelly left for the Philadelphia Eagles, Oregon promoted Mark Helfrich to head coach and named Frost offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2013. In this role, Frost guided Marcus Mariota to a Heisman Trophy win and a berth in the national championship game. During Frost’s tenure as offensive coordinator, Oregon recorded a 33–8 record and consistently ranked among the nation’s top teams in scoring and total offense. His standout performance in 2014 earned him a finalist spot for the prestigious Broyles Award, recognizing the nation’s top assistant coach.
Following his two years at UCF, Scott Frost served as the head football coach at the University of Nebraska for four-plus seasons. This season, Frost has been serving as a coaching consultant for Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams.
Frost faces a different landscape in his return, as UCF has since joined the Big 12, where the competition is fiercer than ever. His approach will focus on revamping recruitment pipelines, modernizing offensive strategies, and instilling the discipline and culture that defined his initial tenure.
“This isn’t just about wins and losses,” Frost emphasized. “It’s about creating a program that reflects the pride of this university and our fans.”
As Frost settles back into Orlando, all eyes will be on his ability to quickly turn things around. The Knights boast a talented core of players and a passionate fanbase eager to see UCF reclaim its spot among the top programs in college football. With spring training just around the corner, Frost’s work begins immediately as he assembles his staff and prepares to tackle the challenges of the Big 12 head-on.
One thing is certain: the return of Scott Frost has reignited hope and excitement across Knight Nation. Whether he can deliver another magical run remains to be seen, but for now, fans are ready to rally behind the coach who once made the impossible seem inevitable.
