The outpouring of love was immediate and vast.
UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark died Sunday evening, Sept. 21, at age 50. He suffered a medical emergency on Sept. 9 and had remained hospitalized since then. UCF announced his passing on Monday morning.
In the minutes after the news broke, thoughts, prayers, kind words and memories flowed in from around the college football world on social media. Coaches, players, fans and media members joined the remembrance.
The Knights postponed their usual Monday game week press conference, but head coach Scott Frost was quoted in the school’s statement.
“Shawn was so much more than a coach,” Frost said. “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.”
“Love ya man!” Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield posted on X. Clark worked for Satterfield at Appalachian State, then followed Satterfield and Eli Drinkwitz as leader of the program beginning with the 2020 season.
Clark served as the Mountaineers head coach through 2024, posting a 40-24 record. UCF hired him in January.
“You changed my life forever,” Knights offensive lineman Carter Miller posted. “I will always be grateful that you took a chance on me and believed in a kid from the “bus league.'”
Here is a look at some of the other tributes.
UCF community mourns loss of football coach Shawn Clark
App State shows love for Shawn Clark
College football reporters share Shawn Clark memories
College football opponents honor UCF’s Shawn Clark
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shawn Clark death mourned by UCF Knights community, college football world
Reporting by Chris Vinel, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
