Scott Frost, once hailed as one of college football’s brightest coaching prospects, has returned to the University of Central Florida (UCF) as head coach after a tumultuous stint at Nebraska and a wave of controversy surrounding his personal conduct.
A Homecoming To Orlando
In December 2024, UCF officially re-hired Frost following the resignation of Gus Malzahn.
Frost is no stranger to the Knights; he led UCF during its memorable 2017 season, in which the team finished 13–0 and claimed a self-proclaimed national championship after defeating Auburn in the Peach Bowl.
💡New Coach Spotlight💡
— Sidelines – CFB (@SSN_CollegeFB) July 18, 2025
Scott Frost- UCF
Frost takes over in his 2nd stint as head coach of UCF but may have tougher build ahead of him in the B12. Frost will look to prove himself again after a pretty disastrous stint at Nebraska
How do you think Frost’s tenure will go?👇 pic.twitter.com/WolSJ9RNMm
Though the College Football Playoff committee did not invite UCF that year, the NCAA recognizes UCF as co-national champions with Alabama.
Now, after a seven-year absence and a rocky tenure at Nebraska, Frost finds himself back in Orlando, aiming to revive the magic of his undefeated season.
The Rise And Fall At Nebraska
Frost was hired by his alma mater, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, in December 2017 with sky-high expectations.
However, his time with the Cornhuskers was defined more by missed opportunities than success.
Over nearly five seasons, he amassed a 16–31 record and an alarming 0–14 record against ranked opponents.
The team also struggled immensely in close games, going just 5–32 in contests decided by eight points or less.
Nebraska fired Frost just three games into the 2022 season after an embarrassing home loss to Georgia Southern.
Allegations Of Off-Field Issues
Beyond the on-field struggles, Frost’s tenure at Nebraska was clouded by numerous off-field rumors related to alcohol abuse and unprofessional behavior.
While these reports were never publicly confirmed by the university, they gained traction across social media, fan forums, and insider reports.
Allegations include missing a key in-home visit with a high-profile recruit due to intoxication, showing up late or hungover to meetings and practices, and engaging in excessive partying and drinking.
Nebraska is now 5-21 in one-score games under Scott Frost.
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 27, 2022
…and 3-21 when trailing at the half. pic.twitter.com/PZKPYmLlNZ
Reported complaints from assistant coaches to the athletic department about his conduct.
Allegedly being removed from a country club after repeated drunken incidents, including overuse of a golf simulator.
Though these claims were never substantiated by formal investigations, they painted a troubling picture that many believe contributed to his dismissal more than just his win-loss record.
A Second Chance With Caution
Despite the baggage, UCF’s decision to bring back Frost suggests faith in his coaching capabilities, especially given his past success with the Knights.
His earlier stint included mentoring future Heisman contenders like Marcus Mariota (at Oregon) and McKenzie Milton (at UCF), and helping lead Oregon to the first College Football Playoff final in 2014.
But this time around, there’s a different tone.
According to reports, UCF’s administration has considered stricter behavioral oversight and contract clauses to ensure off-field discipline.
Insiders believe Frost’s return is contingent on a clear commitment to accountability.
Whether Scott Frost can restore his career and UCF’s momentum remains to be seen.
Supporters hope the return to familiar territory will provide the structure he needs to succeed again.
But with a checkered recent past, all eyes will be on whether he can reclaim his reputation not just as a coach, but as a leader.
For now, the 2025 season offers Frost a rare opportunity: redemption in a place where he once reached perfection.
Well, we’ve seen him at his best and his worst. None of us can predict what he will do this time, because of those two extremes being shown to us. Honestly I think he was being real when he was successful, and very unreal when he failed. I just wish he would have taken responsibility in his recent words about it all instead of dancing around the truth of what we saw him do here at Nebraska. Best to you, Scott. Really.