The University of Central Florida’s football program is grieving the loss of offensive line coach Shawn Clark, who passed away on Sunday evening, September 21, 2025, at a hospital near Orlando, Florida. He was 50.
Clark died unexpectedly with his wife, Jonelle, by his side. He had been hospitalized since Tuesday, September 9, after experiencing a medical emergency during the Knights’ bye week. The university reported that Clark remained in stable condition during his hospital stay and seemed to be recovering, making his sudden death unexpected.
UCF head coach Scott Frost released a statement on Monday morning highlighting the significant impact Clark had on the team. “Shawn was so much more than a coach,” Frost said. “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.”
Frost canceled his scheduled news conference on Monday to allow the team time to process the news. Days earlier, he had informed reporters that Clark was improving and the team had received positive updates about his health. After UCF’s 34-9 win over North Carolina on Saturday, Frost commended the offensive line’s effort, noting they played with motivation because they love Coach Clark and wanted to support him.
Clark became part of UCF’s coaching staff on January 4, 2025, as one of Frost’s initial hires. This appointment came shortly after Clark was dismissed from his role as head coach at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where he spent five seasons. His record there was 40-24 from 2019 to 2024, including three bowl wins. He led the team to a 10-win season in 2021, multiple Sun Belt East Division titles, and two conference championship game appearances.
Clark was released from Appalachian State in December 2024 following a 5-6 season, the program’s first losing record since 2013. Before his head coach tenure, Clark served as the offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator starting in 2016. He was promoted to head coach after the 2019 season when his predecessor left for another role.
Under Clark’s leadership, Appalachian State’s offensive line units were nationally recognized. His teams were twice nominated for the Joe Moore Award, ranking among the top-15 units in the country. Clark’s coaching career began in 2001 as a graduate assistant at the University of Louisville, where he earned a master’s degree in education in 2003. He was the offensive line coach at Eastern Kentucky from 2003 to 2008, and later worked at Purdue and Kent State before returning to Appalachian State.
As a player, Clark excelled at Appalachian State from 1994 to 1998. The West Virginia native was a two-time All-American and a three-time all-conference selection. During his playing years, the Mountaineers achieved a 45-16 record. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1998.
UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir expressed the university’s sorrow in a statement, noting they were deeply saddened by Clark’s passing. He remarked that Clark contributed passion, integrity, and genuine care for people in all his endeavors and will be remembered for his influence on football and his personal relationships as a husband and father.
Appalachian State shared a statement on social media on Monday expressing their profound sadness over the loss of their alumnus, football All-American, and former head coach. Tributes followed from the college football community after news of Clark’s death. Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield, who played with and later coached alongside Clark at Appalachian State, posted on social media referring to him as a friend, teammate, and colleague, as well as a devoted husband and father.
South Carolina tight ends coach Shawn Elliott, another former teammate and coaching colleague, shared his condolences online about his friend and teammate. ESPN reporter Marty Smith shared an emotional tribute, calling Clark a dear friend and brother, describing him as caring, hardworking, and loyal. Current UCF players also expressed their grief on social media, with quarterback Tayven Jackson offering condolences on Instagram, while center Carter Miller wrote on X about Clark being an amazing mentor and leader who had a lasting impact on his life.
When Frost addressed reporters on Wednesday, September 24, for the first time since Clark’s passing, he reflected on the broader implications beyond football. “The best thing you can do is to keep going,” Frost said, acknowledging that the recent weeks had been emotionally challenging. He emphasized that while football is important, it pales in comparison to life’s real challenges, reminding the team to cherish what truly matters.
Clark had celebrated his 17th wedding anniversary with Jonelle in July, sharing on social media their 17 years together, six homes, and two children. Earlier in 2025, he also posted birthday wishes to both of his children, celebrating his daughter Giana’s 16th birthday and his son Braxton’s 13th. UCF did not disclose the specifics of Clark’s medical emergency or the cause of his death.
Clark is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their children, Giana and Braxton.