Official: Nebraska hires UCF coach Scott Frost

Nebraska has its man.

As expected, the Huskers have landed Central Florida’s Scott Frost as their next head coach. Frost, who played quarterback at Nebraska from 1995-1997, spent the last two seasons at UCF, inheriting a program that went winless in 2015 and transforming it into an undefeated American Athletic Conference champion.

The move was announced a few hours after the Knights’ 62-55 double-overtime win over Memphis in the AAC title game. Frost, who agreed to a a 7-year, $35 million contract, will be introduced Sunday in Lincoln. UCF athletic director Danny White said Frost may coach in UCF’s bowl game.

Frost spent seven seasons as an offensive assistant at Oregon, three as offensive coordinator, before taking the UCF job. The Knights went 6-7 in his first year before this year’s magical 12-0 run that featured the nation’s No. 1 scoring offense (48.3 points per game).

“It is a great honor and privilege to have the opportunity to return to Nebraska and to lead the Husker football program,” Frost said. “I have been fortunate to be at a wonderful school the last two years, but Nebraska is a special place with a storied tradition and a fan base which is second to none. I am truly humbled to be here. The state of Nebraska and the Husker program mean a great deal to me. This is home.

“I am appreciative of the confidence Bill Moos and our University leadership have in me to lead this program. I would not have the opportunity to be in this position without a lot of great people who have helped me throughout my career. Specifically, I would like to thank Coach Osborne who has played such an integral role in my life over the past two decades, both on and off the field. Go Big Red!”

At Nebraska, Frost, 42, replaces Mike Riley, who was fired by new Huskers athletic director Bill Moos after going 4-8 this year and 19-19 (12-14 Big Ten) overall in three seasons. Moos, who came over to Nebraska in October by way of Washington State, has spoken openly about his interest in Frost, both before and after he fired Riley.

“I am thrilled that Scott is returning to his alma mater to lead the Husker football program,” Moos said. “I truly believe that we have hired the premier young coach in the country and that exciting times lie ahead.”

Frost, a Nebraska native who played for Tom Osborne after starting his collegiate career playing for Bill Walsh at Stanford, inherits a program that has been stuck in a state of mediocrity dating back to the Frank Solich era. Bo Pelini had the Huskers consistently in the Top 25 as they transitioned from the Big 12 to the Big Ten, but former AD Shawn Eichorst fired Pelini and brought in Riley. Now both Eichorst and Riley are out; Moos and Frost are in.

What Frost accomplished at UCF had him alongside Chip Kelly as the most sought-after coaching candidate in this cycle. Florida was thought to be the top threat to nab Frost, but when it became clear he was headed back home to Lincoln, UF scooped up Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen.

While UCF made its run to the AAC title game, Frost was asked about the Nebraska opening numerous times. Though he often looked to change the subject, Frost admitted Monday he would be “hurt” if Nebraska wasn’t interested in him.

“We’re undefeated. I’m from there. When you win a lot people are interested in you,” Frost said.

As it turns out, he was interested in Nebraska, too. And Huskers fans now have a reason for optimism.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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More college football coverage from Yahoo Sports:
• No. 3 Oklahoma cruises to Big 12 title over TCU
• Controversial call helps USC top Stanford for Pac-12 title
• UCF holds off Memphis to capture AAC title
• Pat Forde: Why Tennessee is laughingstock of college football

More college football coverage from Yahoo Sports:
• No. 3 Oklahoma cruises to Big 12 title over TCU
• Controversial call helps USC top Stanford for Pac-12 title
• UCF holds off Memphis to capture AAC title
• Pat Forde: Why Tennessee is laughingstock of college football