Scott Frost, who guided Central Florida to a 13-0 season in 2017, is returning to the school for a second stint as head coach, UCF announced Saturday night.
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,’ athletic director Terry Mohajir said in a statement. ‘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 went 19-7 in two seasons (2016-17) at the school before departing for Nebraska, his alma mater.
That move didn’t go so well as Frost went 16-31 in four-plus seasons with the Cornhuskers and didn’t have a single winning season. He was fired after the third game of the 2022 season – a 45-42 home loss to Georgia Southern.
Frost, 49, is currently an assistant coach with the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. He replaces Gus Malzahn, who recently left to be the offensive coordinator at Florida State.
‘I’m deeply honored to return to UCF, a school that has always held a special place in my heart,’ Frost said in a statement. ‘The foundation we built here has only grown stronger, and I am thrilled to continue shaping this program’s legacy. As we prepare for year three in the Big 12 Conference, I look forward to working alongside our dedicated student-athletes, talented staff, and passionate fans to reach new heights together.’
Frost went 6-7 in his first season at UCF before the memorable 2017 campaign in which he was the consensus national coach of the year.
The Knights sailed through their schedule but were bypassed for the four-team College Football Playoff. After UCF beat Auburn 34-27 in the Peach Bowl and finished sixth in the final poll, the school famously claimed it won the national championship.
Malzahn went 28-24 in four seasons at the Orlando school, but the program was just 10-15 overall the past two seasons after moving into the Big 12. The Knights went 5-13 in Big 12 play under Malzahn.
During his playing career, Frost was the starting quarterback when Nebraska went 13-0 and won a share of the 1997 national championship. Michigan was the co-champion. He rushed for 1,095 yards and 19 touchdowns that season in the run-based attack.
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