October 3, 2025

University Football Community Mourns the Loss of Coach Shawn Clark

News Summary

The University of Central Florida is grieving the untimely passing of Shawn Clark, their offensive line coach, who died at the age of 50 following a medical emergency. Clark, known for his outstanding character and dedication to his players, left behind a legacy as a mentor and family man. With UCF’s football team currently preparing for a key game against Kansas State, tributes are pouring in, highlighting his profound impact on the program and his commitment to developing young athletes throughout his coaching career. A memorial decal will be worn in his honor during upcoming games.

Orlando, Florida – Shawn Clark, the offensive line coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF), passed away unexpectedly at the age of 50 on Sunday evening after a medical emergency prompted his hospitalization. His health had initially stabilized following the emergency experienced on September 9, but sadly, it declined, leading to his untimely death in a local hospital with his wife, Jonelle, by his side.

Clark had recently celebrated his 50th birthday last month. He is survived by his wife and their two children, Giana and Braxton. The impact of his passing was felt deeply across the UCF football program, with head coach Scott Frost noting that Clark was “so much more than a coach.” Frost emphasized Clark’s remarkable character and his significant role as a husband, father, and mentor, showcasing the love and respect he earned from players and staff alike.

In addition to his role at UCF, where the football team is currently 3-0 and preparing for their first road game against Kansas State, Clark had a notable coaching career. He previously served as the head coach at Appalachian State from December 2024, where he compiled a record of 40-24 that included three bowl victories. Before his time at Appalachian State, Clark held coaching positions at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Kent State, demonstrating a commitment to developing young athletes throughout his career.

As a player, Clark was a two-time All-American and three-time all-conference selection at Appalachian State, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1998 and a master’s degree in education from the University of Louisville in 2003. His accomplishments on and off the field contributed to his legacy as a significant figure in college football.

UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, Terry Mohajir, expressed that Clark would be remembered for his passion and integrity, as well as the strong relationships he built both on and off the field. A press conference was held to honor Clark’s memory, where Frost referred to him as the “glue guy for the staff.” In tribute to their fallen coach, the UCF players and coaching staff plan to wear a helmet decal in his honor during games.

The UCF community is mourning the loss of Shawn Clark, whose commitment to the sport and dedication to his players have left an enduring impact on those he worked with. The upcoming games will carry his memory as the team continues to compete and grow under challenging circumstances.

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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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