George O'Leary could leave UCF during season, according to report

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A coaching change at Central Florida could be coming sooner rather than later.

UCF's George O'Leary is considering stepping down as head coach this season, and the move could happen as soon as the season opener, according to a report from Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports. Assistant head coach and offensive line coach Brent Key is expected to replace O'Leary, should a change occur.

O'Leary, who will turn 68 on Aug. 17, is entering his 11th season as head coach at UCF. The Knights will open their season on Aug. 30 against Penn State in Ireland. The Knights are coming off their best season in school history, in which they went 12-1 and earned a Fiesta Bowl win against Baylor.

The GOL to Brent Key handoff is nothing new - that's been whispered since January. The Ireland timeframe would be a surprise.

— Brandon Helwig (@UCFSports) August 10, 2014

If O'Leary does step down this season, the move would come just a few months after he received a four-year contract extension. According to Feldman, UCF athletic director Todd Stansbury said there have been "no discussions" of Key succeeding O'Leary this season.

The move would ensure Key stays in the UCF fold long-term, something that might not be the case otherwise. Key is widely considered to be rising in coaching circles, and Feldman reports he declined the head coach opening at UAB last season.

UCF was not ranked in the top 25 of the initial Coaches Poll, but was included among the other teams receiving votes.