UCF offensive line coach, former Appalachian State coach Shawn Clark dies at 50

Former Appalachian State head coach Shawn Clark died Monday. The former offensive lineman and long time coach was 50 years old.

Clark was on the UCF staff this season under Scott Frost, who returned to the school following a year away from coaching. Frost initially left for Nebraska but as he returned to the Orlando area, he hired Clark to coach the offensive line.

“Shawn was so much more than a coach. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff,” Frost said in a statement. “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.”

On September 10th, it was reported Clark experienced a “medical emergency,” but was in stable care. It was unclear what the issue was at the time.

Before being hired at UCF, Clark served a successful tenure as head coach at Appalachian State for five seasons. There, he compiled a 40-24 record, the high-point being a 10-win season in 2021.

App State is Clark’s alma mater, where he was a two-time All American during his playing days, as well as a three-time all-conference selection as an offensive lineman. He enjoyed success while playing for the Mountaineers as well, posting a 45-16 overall record during his time wearing the the uniform.

While his time coaching App State came to an end last season, Clark expressed his excitement to join the UCF football program. It’s his first stint with the program.

“I’m thrilled to join UCF as the new offensive line coach and have the chance to work with such talented student-athletes and coaches,” Clark said at the time of his hire. “UCF has a proud history of high-powered offenses, and I’m eager to contribute to that tradition. I want to thank Coach Frost for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

Before App State, Clark coached at Louisville, Eastern Kentucky, Purdue and Kent State. He had over two decades of college football coaching experience under his belt.