Frost to UCF: The reaction

The Oregon football coaching staff has historically been one of the most stable in the nation. Head coaches and assistants tend to stay in Eugene far longer than the average tours of duty for the industry. Current examples include assistants Gary Campbell, Steve Greatwood and Don Pellum with 32, 28 and 22 years with the Ducks respectively. Tom Osborne and John Neal are not far behind with 14 and 12 Oregon campaigns of their own.

But keeping eight talented individuals together forever in a highly successful program is impossible. When the story broke at Rivals.com affiliate UCFSports.com that offensive coordinator Scott Frost was taking the head coaching position in Orlando people were taken unawares, but not exactly surprised.

After all, Frost had spent six years, three as wide receivers coach and three as offensive coordinator, with one of the most successful and admired offenses in the country. The guy had played the game at the highest level and was intimately familiar with both offense and defense. It was only a matter of time before the Oregon program would be compelled to initiate its search for a new OC.

The people most familiar with the situation obviously understood the situation. Duck players took to social media to express their support.

"Congratulations Coach Frost thank you for everything you've done for the squad and me," wrote senior offensive tackle Tyler Johnstone. "Once a Duck, always a Duck."

"Happy for Coach Frost very deserving," wrote junior wide receiver Bralon Addison. "Great Coach, Great Man. UCF will love him."

"Congrats to My QB Coach/Offensive Coordinator on earning the Head Coaching job at UCF," added senior quarterback Vernon Adams. "I want to thank you on taking a chance on me and believing in me to come in and compete. UCF fans, yall are getting a great coach and an even better Christian, God fearing man! Thank you & God bless you dawg!"

Though out on the recruiting trail, head coach Mark Helfrich released a statement on the program's behalf.

"We wish Scott all the best with his new opportunity at UCF," said Helfrich. "Oregon's proven track record of success and unique situation have led to many high quality candidates expressing their interest (in the Oregon vacancy).

"We will continue to recruit, prepare for our upcoming bowl game, and support our student-athletes through finals as we move forward."

Aside from the feel-good congratulations and the assurances that all will proceed as normal in Duckville, the concern then turns to the future, the offensive skill recruits that had committed to Oregon who had expected Frost to be their unit's leader.

"I'm happy for him and wish him the best," said four-star Memphis (Tenn.) White Station wide receiver Dillon Mitchell. "I was a little shocked but it will all work out."

Another 2016 commit, Del City (Okla.) quarterback Terry Wilson, will be affected by the new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach as much as anybody.

"I was like man I wish we could have worked together," said Wilson. "But I knew it was well-deserved for him to get the head coach spot at UCF.

"He has done tremendous things at Oregon and he has a brighter road at being a head coach."

Bend (Ore.) Summit tight end Cam McCormick said that changing coordinators will not change his college decision either.

"Coach Frost is a great guy and I wish him well in this new role. Him leaving has nothing to do with my commitment. I am committed to the Duck program as a whole. Coaches leave - it happens. My decision to become a Duck involved so much more."

Duck fans were equally gracious and Duck Sports Authority long term members provided an excellent example.

"Best of luck to Scott," wrote Timbalaned1. "Kind of surprised he is taking that position of all of them, but it fits the Memphis/Houston vein of a lot of elite talent that might not qualify for big schools. If he gets some kids down there to buy in, he can really run a sweet offense with all the local talent."

"Congratulations Scott Frost!!!" wrote pmulqueeney. "Thank you for your contribution to Oregon Duck Football! You will be missed but always remembered! Once a Duck always a Duck. You have left the Oregon Program better for your dedicated contribution. We wish you all the best in your new challenge. GO Knights!!!"

"At first I was surprised, but when you think about it, warm weather and great recruiting base," added Duckfan37. "I believe Coach Frost can make them into a top 20 program. Once a Duck always a Duck. Good luck to Coach Frost!!"

Coach Helfrich and the Ducks will begin their search immediately and already have a list of interested candidates compiled. Athletic Director Rob Mullens will aid the search administratively to help the program make as seamless a transition as possible.

But for now it is good-bye from Eugene to a rising star of a coaching world.