Knights extend Heupel’s pact after 12-0 run

Many figured UCF football coach Josh Heupel had one of the toughest assignments in the country this season. The firstyear coach was tasked with building on the Knights’ historic 13-0 run in 2017 led by previous coach Scott Frost.

Frost took the entire UCF staff with him to Nebraska and key playmakers, including emotional leader Shaquem Griffin, moved on to the NFL.

Even UCF athletics director Danny White tried to soften expectations, telling fans at the 2018 football kickoff luncheon the Knights would surely lose at least one game in 2018 but would still be a great team they would be proud to support.

Heupel defied expectations and was rewarded for helping the Knights post a 12-0 record and win an American Athletic Conference title during his first season, inking a contract extension. Heupel’s new deal with the Knights runs through Jan. 15, 2024.

Financial terms of agreement were not immediately released Friday.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to lead this group of young men and represent this great university,” Heupel said in a news release. “My family and I have found an amazing community to call home. I am looking forward to the future of this program. I can’t thank [UCF athletics director] Danny White and [UCF president] Dale Whittaker enough for their support and belief in what we’re doing.”