UCF in the offseason hired Univ. of Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost to be its new coach, and any conversation with him "inevitably turns to Nike," as soon after his hiring the Florida school "was the fortunate recipient of a new apparel deal with Nike," according to Dennis Dodd of CBSSPORTS.com. Scott is the "favorite son" of Nike Founder Phil Knight. Asked if he had anything to do with the deal, Frost said, "I know I did. Talk to Phil." In April, Nike renewed its deal with UCF for "undisclosed terms," and Frost "doesn't mind telling you he's part of the reason." Frost said of Knight, "I don't think there will ever be another Oregon in his eyes. I would never dream of getting the same level of support that they're getting. Hopefully, we can be one of his favorite schools." Dodd noted the two are so close that Frost "sought Knight's blessing" upon leaving Oregon. Knight also "spent game days in the coach's booth next to Frost." When Frost arrived at UCF, Knight "made calls to Nike people." Frost said it was done as a "favor to me to get more (apparel) for our players." A marketing idea "hatched in the Oregon/Nike think tank" followed Frost to UCF, where there are now "64 UCF uniform combinations" (CBSSPORTS.com, 8/8).
