In a surprising turn of events, Scott Frost has been named the head coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF), marking his second stint with the Knights. After being fired by Nebraska in 2022 and spending some time with the Los Angeles Rams, Frost is back in the college football scene. His return has sparked a variety of reactions among fans and analysts alike.
This blog delves into the complexities surrounding his return, his past tenure, and what the future might hold for both Frost and UCF.
Scott Frost’s Complicated Relationship with Nebraska Fans
Scott Frost’s tenure at Nebraska was nothing short of tumultuous. Despite being a legendary player for the Cornhuskers, his coaching stint from 2018 to 2022 did not go as planned.
The Common Fan Podcast even dedicated an episode titled How in the World Did Scott Frost Not Work at Nebraska? which became their most viewed and downloaded episode. The episode garnered numerous comments, reflecting the anger and disappointment among the fan base.
While rumors about personal and professional shortcomings, lack of attention to detail, and commitment issues circulated, the truth of these claims remains uncertain. However, it is widely believed that Frost genuinely wanted to succeed at Nebraska, driven by a desire to honor his father, Tom Osborne, and the entire state.
Despite his efforts, the weight of the job may have been too much for him. Nevertheless, many Husker fans are happy that Frost is getting another chance, even if they remain a bit salty about his time in Lincoln.
Impressive Bounce Back
After being fired three games into the 2022 season, Frost stayed out of coaching for the rest of 2022 and 2023. He spent this year on staff with the Los Angeles Rams, gaining valuable experience.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Often, it takes time for fired coaches to climb back up the ranks. It wouldn’t have been surprising to see Frost take an offensive coordinator job or a head coaching position at a lower-tier program. However, landing back at UCF, now a member of the Big 12, is quite impressive.
His first stint at UCF included a magical 13-0 run in 2017, and it appears there’s still a lot of affection for Frost in Orlando. This time around, one would guess his plan is to stay for the long haul, especially with the Knights now competing in a more prestigious conference.
Better Chances for Success?
The Big 12 is currently considered the fourth out of four among the power conferences in football. While this might sound like a disadvantage, it could actually work in Frost’s favor.
His offensive schemes are likely to perform better in the Big 12, where defense and tackling seem to be optional for some teams. Additionally, he will be surrounded by speed and talent in Florida and the broader region, areas he is already familiar with from his first time at UCF.
There are numerous reasons to believe Frost can find success in Orlando once again, in ways he never did in Lincoln. His knowledge of the local recruiting landscape and his previous success with the Knights provide a solid foundation for a successful second stint.
What Will the Staff Look Like?
One of the intriguing aspects of Frost’s return will be the composition of his coaching staff.
During his time at Nebraska, he was loyal to defensive coordinator Erik Chinander, who is currently having a successful run at Boise State. It remains to be seen whether Frost will bring Chinander back to UCF or if Chinander would even entertain the move, given Boise State’s playoff credentials and impending move to the PAC 12.
Other potential staff members include Ryan Held, who was on Frost’s staff at both UCF and Nebraska and now leads the program at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Sean Beckton, a UCF Hall of Famer who also worked with Frost, spent the 2024 season as an analyst with the Knights. Additionally, Husker legend Barrett Ruud, who started his coaching career under Frost at UCF and coached linebackers at Nebraska, is now the inside linebackers coach for the Atlanta Falcons. If Chinander stays in Boise, Ruud might get his first chance as a defensive coordinator.
It will be interesting to see if Frost opts for familiar faces or decides to make a clean start with an entirely new crew. Either way, the composition of his staff will be crucial to his success in his second stint at UCF.
Final Thoughts
Scott Frost’s return to UCF is a significant development in the world of college football. His time at Nebraska was fraught with challenges. However, his previous success with the Knights and his recent experience with the Los Angeles Rams suggest that he has the potential to succeed once again.
The Big 12 may provide a more favorable environment for his offensive strategies. His familiarity with the Florida recruiting landscape is a definite advantage.
As Frost builds his staff and prepares for the upcoming seasons, all eyes will be on UCF to see if he can replicate his past success and lead the Knights to new heights.
For more details and insights, you can read the original article on Scott Frost’s return to Central Florida.
Get the latest sent right to your inbox