University of Central Florida football coach Shawn Clark passed away unexpectedly at the age of 50, the team announced.
Clark, the UCF Knights’ offensive line coach, died suddenly on Sunday evening after experiencing a medical emergency.
The coach was rushed to hospital five days earlier on Tuesday but is said to have been in stable condition before passing away suddenly on Sunday night.
His wife, Jonelle, a Hall of Fame softball player at Eastern Kentucky, was by his side at the time of his death. Clark is also survived by their two children, Giana and Braxton.
‘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.’
University of Central Florida football coach Shawn Clark passed away unexpectedly
Clark previously served as the head coach of Appalachian State for five seasons
The coach is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their two children Giana and Braxton
A veteran coach, Clark had worked in football for more than two decades before joining UCF in December 2024.
Before joining the Knights, he enjoyed a successful tenure as the head coach at Appalachian State, where he compiled a 40-24 record across five seasons.
A former Appalachian State offensive lineman, Clark returned to his alma mater as offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator in 2016, before taking over the program following the 2019 season.
He guided his Appalachian State teams to multiple Sun Belt East Division titles and three bowl wins.
Before his return to Appalachian State, Clark padded out his coaching resume with stints at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Kent State.
‘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.’
Coach Clark’s passing came one day after the UCF Knights beat Bill Belichick’s UNC in as 34-9 drubbing.
‘You enjoy this sport, and you want to do it with people you like and care about,’ Frost said last week. ‘There’s not very many guys I’ve ever been around that I enjoy being around as much as Coach Clark, not just a great coach but a really good man.’
