UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark has been hospitalized with a medical emergency and is in stable condition, according to a statement from the school.
“Last night, UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark experienced a medical emergency,” said a statement from UCF. “He is currently in stable condition and receiving appropriate care. Coach Scott Frost and the football staff are fully supporting Coach Clark and his loved ones during this time and our thoughts and prayers are with Shawn and his family. Updates will be shared as appropriate.”
Clark, 50, is in his first season with the Knights, having been hired by new coach Frost in January.
The West Virginia native previously served as head coach at his alma mater, Appalachian State, from 2020 to 2024 after being promoted from offensive line coach with the Mountaineers. Before his time in North Carolina, Clark served as the offensive line coach at Kent State (2013-15), Purdue (2009-12) and Eastern Kentucky (2003-08).
Upon his arrival in Orlando, Clark inherited an offensive line that returned just one starter from last season: tackle Paul Rubelt. He quickly worked through the transfer portal to add seven newcomers while signing five freshmen.
“The offensive line has really improved,” Frost said at the start of fall camp. “Coach Clark does a great job with those guys in there. They’re working together and doing a good job. So I’m really pleased with the progress.”
Clark was hired on Jan. 4 and he recalled the initial shock of receiving that first call from Frost.
“I’ve never talked to Coach Frost before and I got a phone call. It was 11 o’clock on a Sunday night and it was an Orlando number. I answered it,” Clark recalled in February. “They said it was Coach Frost and I thought someone was playing a joke on me. We started talking and I agreed to come down for an interview.
“I came down Tuesday morning, interviewed that afternoon, and I got a job offer. It was the right time for me, and it was right for my family. It just felt right. The vision Coach Frost has for UCF football and the University of Central Florida, we were aligned, and that was what’s exciting, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
UCF is in the middle of a bye week before facing North Carolina on Sept. 20.
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