Scott Frost, the former UCF football head coach, is making a highly anticipated return to lead the program once again. After a challenging tenure at Nebraska, where his performance faltered, Frost is now stepping back into the role at UCF, a program where he previously led an undefeated 2017 season and the team’s first major bowl appearance with a victory in the Peach Bowl against Auburn.

Frost’s first stint at UCF was marked by a remarkable turnaround. He took over a team that had finished the 2015 season with a 0-12 record, transforming them into a dominant force in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in just two years. His success at UCF earned him the job at Nebraska, his alma mater, but things didn’t go as planned. His five-year tenure at Nebraska ended in disappointment, with Frost being let go after a dismal 16-31 record, prompting criticism for his inability to meet the expectations set by the Nebraska program.

Now, after a stint as an analyst with the Los Angeles Rams, Frost returns to UCF with the hope of rebuilding the football program as they navigate their second season in the Big 12 Conference. The Knights, who were dominant in the AAC under Frost, now face the challenge of competing at the higher level of the Big 12. Despite these challenges, Frost’s return is seen as a potential fresh start for the program, and UCF fans are hopeful that his time away from college football has given him valuable lessons to help propel the team forward.

UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir and the program’s leadership are taking a gamble with this hire, hoping that Frost’s familiarity with the program and his previous success can be replicated. While the landscape has changed significantly since Frost’s original tenure, including NIL deals and the shift in conference strength, Frost’s ability to recruit and lead could bring the Knights back to the top.

Frost’s return to UCF is still met with some skepticism, especially given his struggles at Nebraska. Critics of the hire point to the historical challenges coaches face in returning to the program where they once enjoyed success, noting that many such second acts have not lived up to expectations. Nevertheless, his return marks a pivotal moment for UCF as they seek to solidify their position in a more competitive conference​