The UCF Knights are in mourning today following the death of offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark, who was 50 years old, was in his first season with the Knights.
Prior to his time in Orlando, Clark was at Appalachian State, where he worked alongside current Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz. The two men spent just 1 season together, but formed a close relationship. That’s why Drinkwitz, shortly after the news was announced, took to social media to tribute his friend and former colleague.
Clark was already on the Mountaineers’ staff when Drinkwitz was hired from NC State in Dec. 2018. He remained in place as App State’s offensive line coach for the 2019 campaign, overseeing a unit that helped the Mountaineers run for 3,248 yards and 35 touchdowns in 14 games. Appalachian State knocked off both North Carolina and South Carolina on the road that season, and finished the year ranked No. 19 in the AP poll.
Drinkwitz left for Missouri before the Mountaineers’ New Orleans Bowl game, leaving Clark to coach the team. After leading his alma mater to a 31-17 victory against UAB, he succeeded Drinkwitz as head coach. Clark led his App State to a 39-24 record in 5 full seasons at the helm. His 2 biggest wins — over No. 6 Texas A&M (17-14) in 2022; against unbeaten No. 18 James Madison (26-23, OT) in 2023 — came on the road.
