Frost is back at UCF, marking his return to college football after a two-year absence.
Former Nebraska head coach Scott Frost is making his highly anticipated return to college football, stepping back onto the sidelines as the new head coach of the UCF Knights. This homecoming marks a significant new chapter for Frost, whose coaching trajectory soared during his initial stint with UCF before a challenging tenure at his alma mater.
Frost, who initially stated he had «no interest in coming back to college» after his departure from Nebraska in 2022, revealed that the UCF opportunity was unique. «I was going to stay in the NFL,» Frost told Sports Illustrated. «Then my agent called me and gave me a heads up that this might happen. This is probably the only college job I would have taken because we were happy here. We love Orlando, like being in Florida, the growth potential of UCF. And rather than chasing jobs around the country, [my wife and I] could raise our kids here.»
His first tenure with the Knights in 2016 and 2017 firmly established Frost’s reputation in the head coaching ranks. He took over a program that had gone winless the year prior to his arrival, leading them to a six-win season in his debut. This was followed by a historic undefeated season, culminating in a Peach Bowl victory and a self-proclaimed national championship for the 2017 team.
Frost’s previous success in Orlando was instrumental in elevating the Knights’ profile, eventually leading to their invitation to the Big 12 Conference. This move solidifies UCF’s position at the Power Four level after years as one of the most prominent Group of Five programs in college football.
Frost noted this spring that the Big 12 «presents a unique opportunity for UCF,» envisioning a path to the College Football Playoff as an underdog. The conference’s competitive and open nature supports this claim, with Arizona State’s unexpected climb to the postseason last season serving as a prime example. This dynamic environment could pave the way for a successful bounce-back for a coach who faced immense pressure and criticism during his time at Nebraska.
Although he stepped away from the college game after his 2022 firing, Frost remained involved in football. He made his NFL debut in 2024, joining Sean McVay’s staff with the Los Angeles Rams as a senior analyst. In this role, he primarily assisted with the special teams unit while also contributing to offensive and defensive strategies, gaining valuable experience before his return to the college ranks.