Mizzou offensive coordinator Josh Heupel named UCF head coach

The search for the UCF Knights’ next head coach is over. The Knights have tabbed Missouri Tigers offensive coordinator Josh Heupel as the next man to take the reins.

After Scott Frost’s departure, it looked like UCF may have wanted another coach with SEC ties. That being former Texas A&M Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin. However, Sumlin and UCF didn’t come to an agreement, opening the door for Heupel’s hire. It’s somewhat interesting, as his name didn’t really come up, but it’s a pretty quality hire for the high-powered Knights.

Heupel has been around the block and has succeeded where he’s been. The former All-American quarterback and Walter Camp Award winner spent nearly 10 years with his alma mater Oklahoma Sooners from 2006-2014. Then, he spent a year with the Utah State Aggies before going to Mizzou the last two seasons.

With the Tigers, Heupel’s offenses averaged over 30 points per game, including 39.3 in 2017, good for 12th in the nation. UCF, of course, led the nation in PPG with nearly 50 this past year. That goes right in line with their philosophies right now.

The attention now, of course, turns to Mizzou and what they’ll do with their new coaching vacancy. There’s not a whole lot of names out there off the bat, but the Tigers should hope that their next hire works out. There’s some talent on offense to say the least. Drew Lock, Albert Okwuegbunam and Emanuel Hall have a chance to stand out next season, assuming Lock doesn’t go pro.