Shawn Clark, UCF Coach and Former App State Leader, Dies at 50

In a somber announcement, UCF shared that their offensive line coach, Shawn Clark, passed away Sunday evening at the age of 50. Clark, who previously led Appalachian State as head coach, was hospitalized on September 9 after a medical emergency.

He seemed stable at first, but he never made it back to work. Hired by UCF head coach Scott Frost in the offseason, Clark’s legacy goes well beyond football—he was a beloved husband, father, and mentor who touched so many lives.

Shawn Clark’s Early Life and Career

Shawn Clark grew up in West Virginia and made his mark as a standout offensive lineman at Appalachian State in the late 1990s. The team racked up 45 wins during his time there and became a real Division I-AA force.

Clark started coaching as a graduate assistant at Louisville, where he also earned a master’s in education. That early experience set the tone for his coaching journey.

Coaching Career Highlights

Clark moved through several schools, building a reputation as a tough, respected offensive line coach. Some career highlights:

• Eastern Kentucky: Clark sharpened his coaching skills and started getting noticed.
• Purdue and Kent State: He continued to develop his expertise and build his reputation.
• Appalachian State: Returned in 2016 as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Under Scott Satterfield and Eli Drinkwitz, the Mountaineers grabbed four straight Sun Belt titles.

Appalachian State to UCF

Clark’s time at Appalachian State brought big moments, like a Sun Belt championship game and that wild 17-14 upset over Texas A&M in 2022. He took over as head coach after the 2019 season and led the team to a 40-24 record before leaving in 2024.

Transition to UCF

Clark joined UCF as offensive line coach under Scott Frost in the offseason. Folks were excited—his track record spoke for itself. Sadly, his time at UCF ended before it really began.

Legacy and Impact

Shawn Clark’s influence reached far past football. He was a devoted husband to Jonelle, a star softball player at Eastern Kentucky and a member of the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

Together, they raised two kids, Giana and Braxton. Clark’s commitment to his family and his players was obvious in everything he did.

Community and Player Reactions

The news of Clark’s passing brought a wave of grief and support from UCF and beyond. Head coach Scott Frost called Clark *so much more than a coach*, pointing out his character and the deep bonds he built with players and staff.

Players and colleagues jumped onto social media to share condolences and memories. *Shawn Clark is what college football is all about. All passion, all heart*, one user tweeted, and honestly, that sums it up pretty well.

Shawn Clark gave everything he had to the people around him. He poured his energy and heart into mentoring others, and it really showed.

People at Appalachian State and UCF will remember his impact for a long time. Whether on the field or off, he left a real mark.

Clark’s family and the UCF community are going through a tough time right now. Still, they’re surrounded by folks who feel grateful for all the ways he changed their lives.

If you want to know more about Shawn Clark’s story, check out the full article on the New York Times.