UCF football assistant Shawn Clark dies ‘unexpectedly’ at 50

The UCF football team is dealing with the sudden loss of its offensive line coach, Shawn Clark, who died Sunday night, the team announced.

Clark was 50.

“Shawn was so much more than a coach,” head coach Scott Frost said in a statement. “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.”

The exact cause of death was not revealed.

He had been hospitalized on Sept. 9 due to a medical emergency and was in stable condition before dying “unexpectedly” Sunday night.

Clark was in his first season with UCF after serving as Appalachian State’s head coach for five seasons.

“We are heartbroken by Shawn’s passing,” UCF vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir said. “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 previously played at App State as an offensive lineman and was a two-time All-American.

In his coaching career, he had stops at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue and Kent State before returning to App State.

“I am so sad,” ESPN college football reported Marty Smith posted on X. “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.”

Clark is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their two children, Giana and Braxton.

UCF has started the year 3-0, most recently beating Bill Belichick’s North Carolina 34-9 on Saturday.