Shawn Clark went 40-24 as Appalachian State's head coach.
Former Appalachian State head coach — and University of Central Florida offensive line coach — Shawn Clark died Sunday. He was 50.
UFC confirmed Clark's death, though did not provide specifics. Clark's death was unexpected, the school said. He was admitted to the hospital Sept. 9 due to a medical emergency, but was in stable condition until his death.
UCF coach Scott Frost issued a statement, calling Clark a "remarkable man."
“Shawn was so much more than a coach. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff,” said UCF head coach Scott Frost. “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 joined UCF in January, and was one of Frost's earliest hires. Clark, however, was better known for his time with Appalachian State.
After attending the school and earning two All-American nods and three All-Conference selections as an offensive lineman, Clark eventually returned to his alma mater as an offensive line coach in 2016. He worked his way up the ranks with Appalachian State, eventually becoming the team's assistant head coach in 2019.
Clark served as the team's head coach for one game that season after Eliah Drinkwitz left for Missouri. In his first game as head coach, Clark led Appalachian State to a win in the New Orleans Bowl.
He was eventually hired as the team's full-time head coach and spent the next five seasons leading Appalachian State. Clark compiled a 40-24 record with the team, winning first place in the Sun Belt in 2021 and finishing in second in both 2020 and 2023.
Clark was fired by Appalachian State after going 5-6 with the team in 2024. He wasn't on the market for long, joining UCF nearly a month after leaving Appalachian State.
Category: General Sports
