The University of Central Florida is now in mourning as its offensive line coach Shawn Clark has now passed away. A report from the school’s official website has revealed that he passed away on Sunday evening with his wife, Jonelle, by his side. He was 50 years old.
His death came unexpectedly, as he was admitted to a local hospital on Sept. 9 following a medical emergency. Clark was reportedly in a stable condition until he suddenly passed away on Sunday. No official cause of death has been revealed yet.
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
UCF head coach Scott Frost, who hired Shawn Clark in December of last year, after he was fired as the head coach of Appalachian State, released a statement following his assistant’s passing:
“Shawn was so much more than a coach. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff,” Frost said.
“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,” he added.
UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir also mourned the late coach’s passing, stating that they are heartbroken because of his death and described him as a person who brought “passion, integrity, and a genuine love for people to everything he did.”
Who Was UCF Offensive Line Coach Shawn Clark?
Shawn Clark, a native of West Virginia,: gained prominence as an offensive lineman for Appalachian State where he was a two-time All-American and three-time all-conference selection on the offensive line. As a player, he had a 45-16 record.
He soon went into coaching and had roles at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, Kent State, and finally back to his alma mater, Appalachian State, where he was the head coach, leading the Mountaineers to a 40-24 record in his five seasons there. This included their 10-win season in 2021.
He was fired last December after their first losing season since 2013. However, Scott Frost soon hired him as UCF’s offensive line coach that same month.
Related:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
