McKenzie Milton, one of the most iconic players to don a UCF uniform, returned to Orlando as the Knights’ quarterbacks coach in December 2024.
A former two-time American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, earning the honor under Frost during his first stint at UCF in 2017, Milton led the Black and Gold to a 27-6 overall record as the starter under center and led the Knights to two AAC Championships and consecutive New Year’s Six bowl games.
“I'm beyond excited to be back in Orlando and part of the UCF family once again," Milton said. "UCF holds such a special place in my heart, and to return as quarterbacks coach is truly an honor. I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside Coach Frost, who has been such a pivotal figure in my career.
“I can't wait to help develop the next generation of Knights and build on the incredible tradition of success we've established here at UCF. Charge On!"
Milton joins the Knights following two seasons as an offensive analyst at Tennessee, helping the Volunteers compile a 10-2 record this season and earn a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
A native of Kapolei, Hawaii, Milton threw for 8,683 yards and 72 touchdowns during his time in a UCF uniform. His 9,761 yards of total offense rank third in program record books. He was responsible for 92 touchdowns and owned a 61.8 completion percentage, the sixth best in program history.
Milton enjoyed an historic 2017 National Championship campaign to lead the Knights to a perfect 13-0 season, highlighted by a victory over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. He set UCF single-season program records for passing yards (4,037) and passing touchdowns (37). He ranked in the top 10 nationally in both statistics, finishing fourth in passing TDs and seventh in passing yards.
Additionally, he was second in passing efficiency with a 179.3 mark and ninth in passing yards per game (310.5) in 2017. Milton was fourth in the country in total offense, averaging 357.7 total yards per game.
Milton was named the winner of the 2017 Touchdown Club of Columbus Archie Griffin Award. The award, named for the Ohio State football legend and only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, is the only nationally-recognized award presented at the conclusion of all bowl games and represents college football's Most Valuable Player for the entire season.
Following the 2018 season, Milton finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting and was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He passed for 2,663 yards with 25 touchdowns and was a semifinalist for the Maxwell, Walter Camp and Davey O’Brien Award. Milton finished the regular season ranked third nationally in passing yards per completion (15.57) and ninth in passing efficiency (161.0).
After suffering a major injury in 2018, Milton made his return to the field in 2020 and earned the 2021 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year.
Milton earned his undergraduate degree from UCF in sport and exercise science in December 2019 before completing a master's degree in educational leadership in May 2022.