ORLANDO, FLA -- UCF's climb to the top of college football's summit is almost complete. 

Before the talk of "national champs," the ascent for a mid-major program started under the direction of George O'Leary. 

"I’m very proud to have coached at UCF," O'Leary said.  "I’m a UCF fan. I’m always rooting for them."

The former Knights head coach earned induction into UCF's Athletic Hall of Fame last month. His enshrinement brings the memories full circle. 

"We did a lot of good things, a lot of great coaches, great players here," O'Leary said. 

Two of his former great players, Kevin Smith and Brandon Marshall, were inducted alongside him. They're fondest memories are of George O'Leary the person, not the coach. 

"I can share a lot of stories that he’s got one of the biggest hearts that god every created," Smith said. "He might not have been a man of many smiles but his heart had a big smile and he cares."

"He’s been in our community a long time," Marshall said. "He’s still here so I think everyone knows who Coach O’Leary is."

Most people are familiar with O'Leary's accomplishments. From 2004-2015, he tallied 81 wins and four conference titles. He led UCF to it's first New Year's Six Bowl victory with a 52-42 win over Baylor. 

O'Leary played a key role in the construction of football facilites including the Nicholson Fieldhouse and Spectrum Stadium. 

His accomplishments are rivaled by controversy. In 2008, Knights receiver Ereck Plancher died during an offseason workout. UCF's Athletic Association was found negligent in Plancher's death. 

In 2010, UCF football self-imposed penalties after committing numerous NCAA recruiting violations. Prior to his final season, O"Leary was named the school's interim athletic director. 

Midway thorugh the season, O'Leary resigned his position as athletic director; two weeks later as head coach. The Knights finished the 2015 season 0-12. 

Reflecting on his UCF career at the hall of fame induction, O'Leary is proud of his body of work. As a proud supporter, he wants to see his former program to a big step forward. 

"Most of the goals I wanted to accomplish I accomplished," O'Leary said. "The one that I didn’t get done that still bothers me today is not getting invited to a power five conference."

In the meantime, he's proud of the work of his successors. 

"I’m very proud of it," O'Leary said. "I think both coaches that were there have done a great job utilizing their talent. I was happy to see themselves declare national champs."