College Football
Scott Frost Returns to UCF: A Homecoming with High Stakes
Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.
Get to know Colin Lynch betterPublished08 May 2025
Scott Frost is returning to UCF as the head football coach for his second stint at the university. This time, the stakes are even higher.
In December 2024, Scott Frost made a poignant return to the University of Central Florida (UCF), stepping back into the role of head football coach—a position he once held during the Knights’ historic 2017 season. This reunion comes after Frost agreed to a five-year, $22.1 million contract, starting at $3.9 million annually and escalating to $5 million by the final year. The contract includes performance-based incentives, such as a $75,000 bonus for reaching the Big 12 championship game and an automatic one-year extension if the team secures a bowl game appearance.
Not sure if this is out there or not, but UCF just sent me the of Scott Frost’s contract pic.twitter.com/ycCIEMyNOP
— Matt Baker (@MattBakerCFB) May 5, 2025
Frost’s initial tenure at UCF was marked by a remarkable turnaround, leading the Knights from a winless season to a perfect 13-0 record and a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn. His departure to Nebraska in 2018 was met with high expectations, but the stint proved challenging, culminating in a 16-31 record and his dismissal in 2022. After a brief period as an offensive analyst with the Los Angeles Rams, Frost’s return to UCF is seen as a chance to rekindle past successes and guide the Knights through the competitive landscape of the Big 12 Conference.
Navigating New Challenges in the Big 12
UCF’s transition into the Big 12 Conference presents both opportunities and challenges for Frost. The Knights’ inaugural season in the conference under former coach Gus Malzahn ended with a 4-8 record, highlighting the increased competition level. Frost acknowledges that the landscape has evolved since his previous tenure, with the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, offering a clearer path to national contention.
To adapt, Frost has assembled a coaching staff blending experience and familiarity. Notably, former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton s as the quarterbacks coach, bringing firsthand knowledge of Frost’s system and a deep connection to the program’s culture. The team’s focus will be on developing talent capable of competing at the highest level, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in a conference known for its competitiveness.
Kane Archer is the REAL DEAL🌴
The 2026 UCF commit put on a clinic in the Arkansas 6A state title game—throwing for 321 yards and 3 TDs, while adding 131 rushing yards and 4 more scores on the ground.
With Scott Frost at the helm, the future in Orlando looks bright.
🔔: Turn… pic.twitter.com/TkQzWqLJNZ
— UCF REPORT (@ucfreport) May 6, 2025
Frost’s approach will likely involve leveraging his offensive acumen, honed during his time at Oregon and in the NFL, to craft strategies that maximize the team’s strengths. The goal is clear: to position UCF as a formidable contender within the Big 12, building upon the foundation laid during his previous tenure.
A Vision for Sustained Success
Frost’s return is more than a nostalgic reunion; it’s a strategic move aimed at long-term success. Athletic Director Terry Mohajir emphasized Frost’s ion and vision as key factors in his rehiring, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the program forward. The istration’s commitment to stability is evident in the contract’s structure, designed to incentivize performance and ensure continuity.
The Knights’ fan base, known for its fervent , views Frost’s return with optimism, recalling the heights achieved during his previous stint. However, both Frost and the university recognize that past success doesn’t guarantee future victories. The focus now is on cultivating a team that embodies the resilience and determination characteristic of UCF’s rise to prominence.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Knights stand at a crossroads, blending tradition with ambition. Frost’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating this journey, aiming to not only replicate past glories but to forge new milestones in UCF’s evolving narrative.
