Scott Frost is heading to the Sunshine State.
Early Tuesday morning, Rivals.com reported that Frost, Oregon’s offensive coordinator since 2013, would be named the University of Central Florida’s next head football coach. The school later confirmed the report.
“UCF is an excellent opportunity for me because our student-athletes can succeed immediately, both competitively and academically,” Frost told the Central Florida Athletic Department. “We’ve had great recent success — I vividly remember watching the Fiesta Bowl victory.”
Frost takes over for Danny Barrett, who was the interim head coach after George O’Leary resigned earlier this season.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Pete Thamel, Frost is already en route to Orlando.
UCF’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Grant Heston, also confirmed that a press conference to welcome Frost was scheduled for Wednesday.
#UCF to introduce new coach @coach_frost at a 9:30 a.m. Wednesday press conference. #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/3BYzVEemEQ
— Grant J. Heston (@GrantJHeston) December 1, 2015
“Scott is a winner and innovator who has directed one of college football’s most exciting offenses at the University of Oregon,” UCF Athletic Director Danny White said in the press release. “His attitude and experience are exactly what we need to ensure the Knights compete, and win, at the highest levels. I couldn’t be more excited to bring Scott and his fiancé, Ashley, to the UCF family.”
Frost originally started out at Oregon in 2009 as the team’s wide receivers coach before becoming the offensive coordinator in 2013. Frost began his college playing career as a quarterback at Stanford in 1993. Two years later, Frost elected to transfer back to his home state of Nebraska. In his two years as a quarterback for the Cornhuskers, Frost threw 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Frost, despite walking into a program that hasn’t won a game since Dec. 4, 2014, is confident that he can turn the team around next season. UCF went 0-12 this season. The school lost by one-point margins twice, including a home loss to FCS-level Furman, 16-15, on Sept. 19.
“With our student-athletes, football staff, facilities, fans and supporters, I know we will bring exciting and winning football back to Orlando,” Frost said via the Athletic Department.
Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich commented on Frost’s departure late Tuesday night.
“We wish Scott all the best with his new opportunity at UCF,” said Helfrich. “Oregon’s proven track record of success and unique situation have led to many high quality candidates expressing their interest [in the Oregon vacancy].
“We will continue to recruit, prepare for our upcoming bowl game and support our student-athletes through finals as we move forward.”
Frost received a strong endorsement from Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., too. The graduate transfer posted on Instagram congratulating Frost, while also thanking him for the opportunity to start in a Ducks uniform.
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.