Former App State football coach, player Shawn Clark passes away
from the Watauga Democrat.com/CLICK HERE
ORLANDO — Former App State football head coach and player Shawn Clark has passed away. He was 50.
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.
Clark was the offensive line coach at UCF.
“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.”
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.
“We are profoundly saddened by the passing of App State alumnus, football All-American and former head coach Shawn Clark,” App State Football posted on social media. “We extend our deepest sympathy to Shawn’s family and everyone who knew and loved him.”
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.
Clark graduated from App State with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1998 and earned a master’s in education from Louisville in 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their two children, Giana and Braxton.
What former and current players and coaches are saying
Several former Mountaineer players and coaches who worked with Clark have sent their well-wishes and prayers to Clark via X/Twitter following the news of his passing:
Watauga graduate and current App State football player Carter Everett posted “I will forever be grateful for you giving me the opportunity to experience something I’ve always dreamed about. You were a tremendous leader who loved everyone. #61forever”
Former Mountaineer football Cam Peoples posted “No wayy man .. Prayers for the Clark family & App nation
Current running back Jaylon Calhoun posted “Condolences to coach and his family – 61 Forever????”
Watauga graduate and former App State/current Duke football player Anderson Castle posted “Coach Clark was an incredible coach, and more importantly an incredible man. Forever grateful for the impact he had on me and countless others. Praying for the Clark family. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14”
Former App State coach and Clark’s teammate Scott Satterfield posted, “Incredibly sad news!! My friend, teammate, and colleague. Great husband, father, and just a good dude!! Love ya man!! Prayers for Jonelle and his family!”
ESPN’s Marty Smith posted, “I am so sad. Shawn Clark was a dear friend and brother. We shared a million laughs and many tears. He was the best kind of man: caring, hardworking, and infinitely loyal. He invited me to App coaches fellowship meetings around the campfire in Boone. He displayed a copy of Never Settle prominently in his office, alongside his family photographs. We were likeminded in myriad ways. Prayers to his family and all he touched. Rest in peace, my brother.”