UCF Mourns Loss of Offensive Line Coach Shawn Clark
Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida (UCF) community is grieving the loss of Offensive Line Coach Shawn Clark, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 50. Clark had been hospitalized following a medical emergency on September 9th.
Coach Clark, a dedicated leader, joined UCF this season, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to his players. Before UCF, he served as the head coach at Appalachian State for five successful seasons, achieving a record of 40-24 and leading his team to victory in three bowl games. His most notable season was in 2021, where he guided Appalachian State to 10 wins.
UCF Head Coach Scott Frost expressed his sorrow, highlighting Clark’s impact on those around him. “Shawn was more than just a coach; he was a man of character, a devoted husband and father who deeply cared for his players and colleagues,” Frost stated.
Clark’s journey in coaching began in 2001 at Louisville, where he served as a graduate assistant. He honed his skills as an offensive line coach at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Kent State before returning to his alma mater, Appalachian State, in 2016. There he served as offensive line coach and eventually offensive coordinator. He became head coach in 2020.
A celebrated athlete himself, Clark was a two-time All-American and three-time all-conference offensive lineman at Appalachian State, embodying the values of hard work and dedication that he instilled in his players. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
