UCF Knights Coach Scott Frost Eyes New Defensive Backs Coach

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights are looking to fill an important coaching vacancy following the departure of defensive backs coach Brandon Harris to Florida State. Head coach Scott Frost now seeks a new defensive backs coach to join the staff alongside a new offensive line coach, marking a critical offseason for the program.

One potential candidate is Travis Fisher, currently serving as a senior defensive analyst at UCF. Fisher previously held the defensive backs coach position under Frost during his first tenure at UCF and at Nebraska. He has a proven track record, having developed several players who progressed to the NFL, including Clayton Geathers, Shaquil Griffin, and Mike Hughes. Following Frost’s dismissal from Nebraska, Fisher spent the 2023 season as the cornerbacks coach at Syracuse before returning to UCF this year. His deep-rooted connection to the Knights dates back to his playing days from 1999 to 2001, and he began his coaching career at UCF in 2013.

Should Frost choose to look beyond UCF, Demario Warren, the cornerbacks coach at Boise State, stands out as a strong candidate. Since joining the Broncos in 2022, Warren has contributed to the team winning three consecutive Mountain West titles and finishing 10th in the nation for team passing efficiency defense this season. Frost can leverage his relationship with Boise State’s defensive coordinator, Erik Chinander, who previously worked alongside Frost at UCF and Nebraska. This connection could provide valuable insight into Warren’s fit for the Knights.

Warren’s coaching career began at Southern Utah, where he progressed from defensive backs coach to head coach from 2016 to 2021. Despite his achievements, a potential concern for Frost is Warren’s background; being from California and having never coached outside of Southern Utah or Boise State may pose a question about his willingness to move east for a new opportunity.

Another name to consider is Perry Eliano, the cornerbacks coach at Toledo, which finished second in the nation in team passing efficiency defense. If Frost aims to recruit young talent, Tim Bennett, Toledo’s assistant defensive backs coach, could be an attractive option. Bennett has served in this role for two seasons and previously worked as the director of player development. He has been instrumental in the development of players like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who is projected as a Day 2 selection for the 2026 NFL Draft.

As UCF prepares for the upcoming season, the hiring decisions made by Coach Frost will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the team’s defensive strategy. With several promising candidates on the horizon, the Knights are poised for significant changes that could enhance their competitive edge in college football.