UCF names Missouri OC Josh Heupel head coach

UCF didn't waste any time in naming its replacement for Scott Frost.

University athletic director Danny White announced Tuesday that Missouri offensive coordinator Josh Heupel has been named the 11th head coach in Knights history.

Prior to serving as Missouri's offensive coordinator, Heupel served under legendary Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops from 2006-10 as quarterbacks coach and then from 2011-14 as co-offensive coordinator. His playing career saw him lead the Sooners to the BCS National Championship and earn consensus All-American honors as a quarterback.

Heupel has seen a number of quarterbacks excel under his tutelage thus far. Drew Lock set the SEC single-season touchdown passing record this season, and Landry Jones, Sam Bradford, and Jason White all made names for themselves as legends at Oklahoma with Heupel's coaching.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Josh and his family to UCF. I believe we've identified one of the brightest offensive minds in college football," White said. "His offensive system is very similar to what we've been running. I know he's going to utilize all the great talent on our roster and continue to add to it. He's no stranger to success, winning a national championship as a quarterback and leading a number of extremely high-powered offensive teams. Coach Heupel is in coaching for the right reasons. He cares about his student-athletes and that's one of the most important attributes I look for in a coach."

Heupel later announced former Florida defensive coordinator and Miami head coach Randy Shannon will also be joining the program as his defensive coordinator.

"Randy is someone who I have always had a great deal of respect for throughout the years," Heupel said. "Seeing what he's been able to do with defenses, in addition to his ability to recruit this state, it's extremely special and will be invaluable to our staff."

Shannon spent this past season as defensive coordinator and interim head coach with the Gators before being let go when Florida hired Dan Mullen away from Mississippi State.