Appalachian State University has made the decision to part ways with head football coach Shawn Clark following a 5-6 season, marking the program’s first losing record since its final season at the FCS level in 2013, according to ESPN. The Mountaineers also finished 3-5 in the Sun Belt Conference, signaling a significant downturn after several successful years under Clark.
“The expectation for App State football is to annually compete for a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff,” said athletic director Doug Gillin in a statement. “We have commenced a national search to quickly find the next leader for App State football.”
Clark, 49, who played as an offensive lineman for Appalachian State from 1994 to 1998, had been with the program in various roles since returning in 2014. After coaching stints at Louisville, Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Kent State, Clark returned to Boone, North Carolina, as the offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator under head coach Scott Satterfield. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2019 and became head coach in 2020 after Satterfield’s departure.
In his first two seasons as head coach, Clark continued Appalachian State’s tradition of success, posting a combined 19-7 record and earning two bowl game appearances. His teams also made a name for themselves with impressive performances against Power Five opponents. In 2021, the Mountaineers finished 10-4, nearly upsetting Miami, and stunned No. 6 Texas A&M in College Station, earning a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay.
However, after finishing 9-5 last season, Appalachian State’s performance in 2024 was considered underwhelming by university officials. Despite a five-game win streak that included a trip to the Sun Belt championship game, the Mountaineers finished tied for the third-worst record in the Sun Belt and struggled to find consistency.
“I want to thank Shawn for all he has done for the App State football program,” Gillin said in announcing Clark’s dismissal. “Shawn is a true Mountaineer. He has given his heart and soul to his alma mater. He has navigated numerous challenges in his tenure and done so with class and integrity. This was a difficult decision, but after an evaluation of the program, we decided to make the change now.”
With two years left on Clark’s contract, Appalachian State now faces a crucial hiring decision as it looks to return to the competitive form that made the program a force in the Sun Belt.