Shawn Clark, former App State Head Coach & player, passes

UCF Football has announced the heartbreaking loss of offensive line coach Shawn Clark, who passed away Sunday evening in an Orlando hospital following a medical emergency earlier this month. He was 50 years old.

Clark had been hospitalized since Tuesday, Sept. 9, and remained in stable condition throughout the week, and the death was unexpected. He passed with his wife, Jonelle, by his side.

“Shawn was so much more than a coach,” UCF head coach Scott Frost said in a statement. “He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff. The reaction of our players and coaches to the news this morning is a testament to Shawn’s character and the impact he had on every life that he touched. He was loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jonelle, and children, Giana and Braxton. We are here to support them and will continue to keep them in our hearts and prayers.”

Clark was hired by Frost this past December, bringing more than 20 years of coaching experience to Orlando, including the previous five seasons as the head coach at Appalachian State, where he compiled a 40-24 record with multiple bowl victories and Sun Belt division titles. His 2021 team won 10 games, and his offensive lines routinely ranked among the best in the country.

Players quickly embraced Clark’s leadership and perspective, which was grounded not only in football but also in life experience.

“I’ve had previous coaches that are great people persons, but Coach Clark brings the room together,” offensive tackle Preston Cushman said during preseason camp. “He’s been a head coach, and he just gets us all in the right mindset with a common direction and common goal every single day, and that’s just kicking butt. You want to work for a guy like that. You want to give it all for him.”

“He’s a phenomenal coach,” added offensive guard Keegan Smith. “He’s a dad, he gives life advice… It’s really cool because he was a head coach for a while, and now he’s coming back as a position coach. It’s really awesome. He knows his stuff. I’m really appreciative of him.”

Clark’s football journey began as a standout lineman at Appalachian State, where he was a two-time All-American and three-time all-conference selection. The Mountaineers went 45-16 during his playing career. After earning his undergraduate degree in criminal justice in 1998, Clark began a coaching career that included stops at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, Kent State, and eventually a return to App State, where he rose through the ranks and ultimately led the program.

“Shawn brought passion, integrity, and a genuine love for people to everything he did,” UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir said in a statement. “He will be remembered not only for his impact on the game of football, but also for the relationships he built and the example he set as a husband and father. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and children during this difficult time.”

Clark is survived by his wife Jonelle, daughter Giana, and son Braxton.

Memorial information has not yet been announced.