50-Year-Old College Football Coach Dies Suddenly After “Medical Emergency”

Shawn Clark, the offensive line coach for the University of Central Florida football team, has passed away.

He was 50.

Clark served as the head football coach of Appalachian State University from 2019 to 2024.

“Coach Clark, 50, passed away Sunday evening at a local hospital unexpectedly, with his wife, Jonelle, by his side. He was admitted on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after experiencing a medical emergency and remained in stable condition before passing away last night,” UCF Athletics said in a statement.

“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,” Frost added.

“A remarkable man, husband and father. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of offensive line coach Shawn Clark,” UCF Football stated.

A remarkable man, husband and father.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of offensive line coach Shawn Clark. https://t.co/0JmB1C6Ivm pic.twitter.com/6eexShEuAj

— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 22, 2025

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A veteran coach with more than two decades of experience, Coach Clark joined UCF in December 2024 following a successful tenure as head coach at Appalachian State, where he compiled a 40-24 record across five seasons. His App State tenure was highlighted by a 10-win season in 2021 and three bowl wins. Coach Clark’s teams earned multiple Sun Belt East Division titles and developed some of the nation’s top offensive line units, with his 2018 and 2019 groups ranked among the best in the country.

“We are heartbroken by Shawn’s passing,” said UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir. “He brought passion, integrity, and a genuine love for people to everything he did. Shawn 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.”

As a player, Clark was a two-time All-American and three-time all-conference selection on the offensive line at App State, where the Mountaineers posted a 45-16 record during his career. He later built his coaching résumé with roles at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, Kent State, and App State, where he guided multiple All-Americans and NFL draft picks.

“We are profoundly saddened by the passing of App State alumnus, football All-American and former head coach Shawn Clark. We extend our deepest sympathy to Shawn’s family and everyone who knew and loved him,” Appalachian State football stated.

We are profoundly saddened by the passing of App State alumnus, football All-American and former head coach Shawn Clark. We extend our deepest sympathy to Shawn’s family and everyone who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/YJcaW7BEKB

— App State Football (@AppState_FB) September 22, 2025

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Yahoo Sports noted:

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 Eli 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.