Shawn Clark, former Appalachian State standout and head coach, has passed away at the age of 50 following a medical emergency earlier this month.
Clark, who had recently joined UCF under Scott Frost—returning to the program he once led—was remembered Monday by the university for his profound impact on players, staff, and the wider football community.
“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. 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.”
A native of West Virginia, Clark made his mark as an offensive lineman for Appalachian State in the mid-1990s. He earned FCS All-America honors twice, in 1996 and 1998, and was a three-time all-conference selection.
Following his playing career, Clark quickly transitioned into coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at Louisville under John L. Smith. He later took his first full-time coaching role as the offensive line coach at Eastern Kentucky.
Clark then served as an FBS assistant at Purdue (2009–2012) and Kent State, working with the offensive lines, before returning to Appalachian State in 2016 under then-head coach Scott Satterfield. At his alma mater, Clark became a central figure in the program he helped define both on and off the field.
His passing leaves a lasting void in the college football community, where he was known for his dedication, leadership, and the profound relationships he built with players and colleagues alike.
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