The University of Central Florida football community is grieving the passing of offensive line coach Shawn Clark, who died on Sunday evening, September 21, 2025, at a hospital in the Orlando, Florida area. He was 50.
Clark’s death was unexpected, occurring with his wife of 17 years, Jonelle, by his side. He had been hospitalized since Tuesday, September 9, following a medical emergency during the Knights’ bye week. The university stated that Clark had been stable during his hospital stay and appeared to be recovering, making his sudden death unexpected.
UCF head coach Scott Frost released a statement on Monday morning highlighting Clark’s significant influence. “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 for mourning. Earlier that week, he informed reporters of Clark’s progress and the optimistic news regarding his recovery. After UCF’s 34-9 win over North Carolina on Saturday, Frost commended the offensive line’s performance, noting their passion was driven by their love for Coach Clark and their desire to support him.
Clark was appointed to UCF’s coaching staff on January 4, 2025, as one of Frost’s first hires. This came weeks after his dismissal as head coach at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where he spent five seasons. He achieved a 40-24 record as head coach from 2019 to 2024, with his tenure including three bowl wins and a 10-win season in 2021. His teams won several Sun Belt East Division titles and reached the conference championship game twice.
Clark was released from Appalachian State in December 2024 after the team finished with a 5-6 record, marking the program’s first losing season since 2013. Prior to his head-coaching role, Clark was Appalachian State’s offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator from 2016 until 2018. He was promoted to head coach following the 2019 season when the previous coach left for another position.
Under Clark’s leadership, Appalachian State’s offensive lines gained national recognition. His units were twice acknowledged as Joe Moore Award nominees, ranking among the top-15 lines nationally. Clark began his coaching career in 2001 as a graduate assistant at the University of Louisville, where he obtained a master’s degree in education in 2003. He then served as the offensive line coach at Eastern Kentucky from 2003 to 2008, before coaching stints at Purdue and Kent State, and a return to Appalachian State.
As a player, Clark was a prominent figure for 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 career, 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 their heartbreak over Clark’s passing. He highlighted Clark’s passion, integrity, and genuine affection for people, emphasizing his impact both on football and in the relationships he built.
Appalachian State issued a statement on social media Monday expressing their deep sadness over the loss of their alumnus, football All-American, and former head coach. Tributes from the college football community followed the news of Clark’s death. Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield, who played with and later coached alongside Clark at Appalachian State, described him as a friend, teammate, and colleague, and commended him as a husband, father, and person.
South Carolina tight ends coach Shawn Elliott, another former teammate and coaching colleague, conveyed his condolences online regarding his great friend and teammate. ESPN reporter Marty Smith shared an emotional tribute, referring to Clark as a dear friend and brother, and commending his caring nature and loyalty. Current UCF players also shared their sorrow on social media, with quarterback Tayven Jackson and center Carter Miller expressing their grief and respect for Clark’s mentorship.
When Frost spoke to reporters on Wednesday, September 24, he reflected on the loss, stating, “The best thing you can do is to keep going,” acknowledging the emotional impact of recent events. He emphasized the importance of perspective, noting that while football is significant, life events like these underscore the relative insignificance of game outcomes.
Clark and Jonelle celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary in July, sharing their journey of 17 years, six homes, and two children. Earlier in 2025, Clark had also posted birthday tributes to his children on social media, marking his daughter Giana’s 16th birthday and his son Braxton’s 13th. UCF has not disclosed details of Clark’s medical emergency or the cause of his death.
Clark is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their two children, Giana and Braxton.
