Appalachian State Mountaineers head coach Shawn Clark coaches in the second half of the New Orleans Bowl against the UAB Blazers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

UCF football offensive line coach Shawn Clark died on Sunday, Sept. 21, the school has announced.

Clark, formerly the head coach at his alma mater, Appalachian State, died at the age of 50 after suffering a medical emergency on Sept. 9. Clark had been hospitalized since then, and had remained in stable condition before his death on Sept. 21.

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

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal ― part of the USA TODAY Network ― Frost and Knights players said they had been playing for Clark during UCF's 34-9 win over Bill Belichick and North Carolina.

Frost hired Clark in January following a five-year stint with App State, where Clark posted a 40-24 record. He had served as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the Mountaineers before becoming their head coach.

In 2018 and 2019, Clark had linemen groups recognized among the top 15 groups in contention for the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the top offensive line in college football. He also had stops at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue and Kent State during his career.

Clark was a two-time All-American and was selected as all-conference three times on the offensive line during his playing career with App State from 1994-98. The Mountaineers posted a 45-16 record in his career.

“We are heartbroken by Shawn’s passing,” said UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir 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.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UCF football O-line coach Shawn Clark dies at age 50, school announces

Reporting by Ehsan Kassim, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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