ORLANDO, Fla. — A college football coach on the rise and native son of West Virginia has died.
UCF Athletics today confirmed the passing of the Knight’s offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark, 50, died Sunday at an Orlando area hospital with his wife Jonelle by his side, according to a UCF release. He had been admitted to the hospital on September 9th after an unexpected medical emergency. He had been stable until just before his death on Sunday night.
“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.”
Clark was a native of Charleston and a graduate of George Washington High School. He played his college football at Appalachian State where he was a two time All-American and three time All-Conference selection on the offensive line for the Mountaineers. He earned his degree in criminal justice at Appalachian State in 1998 and later a masters degree at the University of Louisville in 2003.
Clark was moving up through the college coaching ranks with stops at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, Kent Sate, and then as head coach at his Alma Mater where he compiled a 40-24 record across five seasons. His Appalachian State tenure was highlighted by a 10-win season in 2021 and three bowl wins. 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. He joined the UCF program in December 2024.
“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.”
Clark is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their two children, Giana and Braxton.