UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark has passed away at 50, the school announced on Monday.

Clark died Sunday evening at a local hospital with his wife by his side, according to a statement from the university. He had been hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency during the Knights’ bye week on Sept.9. At the time, Clark was in stable condition and seemed to be improving.

“Shawn was so much more than a coach. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff,” UCF coach Scott Frost said in a statement on Monday. “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.”

“We are heartbroken by Shawn’s passing,” UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir added in a statement. “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.”

Frost mentioned on his weekly radio show last week that the team had recently received some encouraging news regarding Clark’s recovery. Following the team’s 34-9 win over North Carolina on Saturday, Frost said the team, particularly the offensive line, stepped up in his absence.

“The offensive line really played with some passion today — a lot because they love Coach Clark like I do, and they wanted to fight for him,” Frost said on Saturday following the victory.

UCF was beginning preparations to open Big 12 play this week, with the Knights set to travel to Manhattan to take on Kansas State on Saturday.

Clark was a West Virginia native who previously served as head coach at Appalachian State from 2020 to 2024 after being promoted from offensive line coach with the Mountaineers. Before his time in North Carolina, he served as offensive line coach at Kent State, Purdue and Eastern Kentucky.

As a player, Clark was a two-time All-American and three-time all-conference selection on the offensive line at Appalachian State.

He joined Frost’s coaching staff on Jan. 4.

Quarterback Tayven Jackson shared “RIP Coach” on his Instagram account, while UCF women’s basketball coach Sytia Messer shared “Sending love and prayers to Shawn Clark’s family and loved ones ,” on X.

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

Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/09/22/ucf-knights-shawn-clark-dies-kansas-state-wildcats/