The college football community is reeling with the news of the death of the UCF offensive line coach, Shawn Clark, who passed away on Sunday, September 21. The unfortunate news has sent a jolt to the entire UCF community, alumni, and his former players. During the bye week, the program informed that Shawn Clark had been hospitalized immediately after a medical emergency (the reason has not been revealed). Naturally, fans were in shock and praying for his recovery. A positive update from head coach Scott Frost had cheered up the spirits in Orlando. “He’s doing OK. He’s in stable condition.” However, it was a short-lived optimism. Beloved Coach Clark soon passed away, leaving the community in grief.

“Coach Clark, 50, passed away Sunday evening at a local hospital unexpectedly, with his wife, Jonelle, by his side.” Shawn Clarke was wheeled to the hospital following a medical emergency during the bye week. “He was admitted on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after experiencing a medical emergency and remained in stable condition before passing away last night,” the official release from UCF said.

Before joining UCF as an offensive line coach, Clark was the head coach of Appalachian State from 2020 to 2024. He had joined the program as the co-offensive coordinator and OL coach in 2016, and developed Tennessee Vols QB1 and former Appalachian player Joey Aguilar under his mentorship. He joined the community to pay tribute to his former coach. “Can’t thank you enough, coach! Forever Love,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar’s journey to winning the QB1 gig was a challenging trip. From Diablo Valley to Boone, NC, he grinded hard to make his mark. Finally, in 2023, App State head coach Clark gave him an opportunity after Ryan Burger sustained an injury. Aguilar carved out his name with his first snap, a 60-yard TD pass, and Clark had beamed with pride. “We’re very proud of Joey,” said Clark of Aguilar after the 2023 season, per Knox.

Clark continued. “He (Joey) was not a starter when he came into the season. It was a true battle, and Ryan Burger won the job. Through injury, Joey came in, and his first play was a 60-yard touchdown pass.” He gave Joey his first chance at the QB1 gig. And Aguilar made the most out of it. After throwing 33 touchdown passes and 3,757 yards, he earned the interest of Power 4 programs. “I got several calls from a lot of Power 4 (schools),”  said Mike Darr, who coached Aguilar at Diablo Valley College. “Even a couple of SEC schools contacted me about whether he would be willing to jump into the portal.”

His recorded TD passes were the fifth-most in the FBS, and scouts were itching to get him to the transfer portal and into the program. That accomplishment made some noise. He was narrowly behind the top three Heisman candidates: Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, and Michael Penix. Naturally, programs were clamoring to get him on their roster. “[The interest in Aguilar] was not a surprise to any of us because of how well he did at App State that first year and what kind of competitor he is,” he added.

The whole football community is mourning his loss and remembers the impact he had on the sport.

CFB fraternity mourns Shawn Clark

A native of West Virginia, Clark grew up there and went to play for the Appalachian State from 1994 to 1998. A star offensive lineman who won 45 games during his five seasons in the Division I-AA. Soon, he kicked off his coaching career at Louisville as a graduate assistant while he pursued a master’s degree in education. He further made stints at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Kent State.

A heart-warming full circle moment came about when he joined the Mountaineers’ coaching roster as an OL coach, ultimately climbing the ladder to the head coach position. He led the Mountaineers to three bowl games and two conference championship game appearances. He rebuilt the offensive lines, a top 15 unit nationally. Twice, he was named to the Joe Moore Award nominees. In December 2024, he joined the UCF Knights.

“We are heartbroken by Shawn’s passing,” UCF’s athletic director, Terry Mohajir, penned. “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.”

His other beloved students poured out their hearts as well. “His presence meant tons to the UCF community.” UCF starting right tackle Preston Cushman told reporters last month. “He brings us together as a group. You want to work for a guy like that, who believes in you and wants the best in you. You want to give it all for him.”

Shawn Clark is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and his children, Giana and Braxton. Rest in peace, coach.