After being hospitalized on Sept. 9, UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark has died at the age of 50.
Clark, who arrived at UCF this season, was rushed to the hospital two weeks ago following what the university classified as a "medical emergency."
Clark remained in stable condition until his unexpected passing on Sunday, the school announced.
UCF Athletics shared a press release regarding Clark's passing, with excerpts from both Head Coach Scott Frost and Athletic Director Terry Mohajir.
"Shawn was so much more than a coach. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff," Frost said. "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."
After Clark's hospitalization, various UCF players and staff voiced the importance of focusing on the opponent ahead of them despite the hardships they had endured. Last Monday, junior cornerback Antione Jackson spoke to the media about "going harder" for their coach because that is what Clark would want.
Clark was unable to be on the sideline for UCF's dominant 34–9 win over Bill Belichick’s North Carolina Tar Heels, but the message was clear: The Knights had "gone harder" for their coach.
Clark's department, offensive line, played stellar – perhaps in homage to him, allowing no sacks and controlling the line of scrimmage. UCF averaged over four yards per carry.
Clark joined UCF this past offseason after spending five seasons compiling a 40-24 record as head coach at Appalachian State. In his time there, Clark is known for leading the Mountaineers to the Sun Belt championship twice while claiming two Bowl Game victories.
In Sept. 2022, Clark led his team into College Station to take on No. 6 ranked Texas A&M. Thanks to a go-ahead field goal midway through the fourth quarter, the Mountaineers upset the Aggies 17-14. This victory was the program's first win over an AP-ranked opponent after moving up to the FBS division. This upset also marked App State's first win over a top-10 opponent in 15 years.
One of Clark's most notable moments happened following the game, where he applauded his team and program for believing in themselves.
"I have a lot of confidence," Clark eagerly told ESPN sideline reporter Taylor McGregor after the game. "In myself, in this team, in this program that we'll go play anybody, anywhere, any time. We came into College Station and beat the number six team in the country. How cool is that?"
Clark, a former All-American offensive lineman at Appalachian State himself, got emotional talking about the love that he has for his alma mater. When McGregor asked Clark what was going through his head, he nasally responded, "I love this program. It means everything to me."
When remembering the life of Shawn Clark, much more will be said than his accomplishments on the football field, and his impact stretches far beyond the confines of a 100-yard gridiron.
"He brought passion, integrity, and a genuine love for people to everything he did," Mohajir said. "Shawn will be remembered not only for his impact on the game of football, but also the relationships he built and the example he set as a husband and father."
Clark is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their two children, Braxton and Giana.