Appalachian State fires Shawn Clark after disappointing 5-6 season

Appalachian State Fires Shawn Clark After Disappointing Season

It’s the end of an era in Boone, North Carolina. Appalachian State has officially parted ways with head football coach Shawn Clark following the program’s first losing season since 2013. The announcement came Monday, marking a significant shift for a team that has long been a powerhouse in the Sun Belt Conference.

Clark, who compiled a 40-24 record over five seasons at the helm, saw his buyout drop from $1 million to $500,000 on Monday, according to sources cited by ESPN. The timing of the decision comes on the heels of a 5-6 season, a far cry from the Mountaineers’ usual dominance. For context, the last time Appalachian State endured a losing season was in 2013, when the team went 4-8 under then-head coach Scott Satterfield.

In a statement addressing the decision, Appalachian State athletic director Doug Gillin expressed gratitude for Clark’s contributions while acknowledging the need for change. “I want to thank Shawn for all he has done for the App State football program,” Gillin said. “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.”

Clark’s Journey with the Mountaineers

Shawn Clark’s connection to Appalachian State runs deep. A graduate of the university, Clark returned to his alma mater in 2016 as part of the coaching staff. He was promoted to head coach in 2019 following the departure of Eliah Drinkwitz, who left for Missouri after just one season. The decision to elevate Clark was made, in part, to maintain stability within the program.

Initially, the move seemed to pay off. Clark’s teams went 19-7 over his first two seasons, reaching the conference title game in both 2021 and 2023. He also orchestrated one of the most memorable upsets in recent college football history, leading Appalachian State to a shocking 17-14 victory over Texas A&M in 2022. That win put the Mountaineers on the national radar and solidified Clark’s reputation as a coach capable of delivering big moments.

What Went Wrong?

Despite those early successes, the 2023 season proved to be a turning point. Appalachian State struggled to find consistency, losing three straight games in the middle of the season and finishing with a 3-5 record in the Sun Belt. While the team managed to win six of its final seven games to close out the previous season, this year’s late-season collapse—losing two of the last three games—ultimately sealed Clark’s fate.

For a program with a storied history of success, the bar is set high. Gillin made it clear that the expectations for Appalachian State football remain unchanged. “The expectation for App State Football is to annually compete for a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff,” he said. “… Mountaineer fans are among the most passionate in the country, and we are committed to providing a football program that builds upon the decades of previous championship tradition.”

What’s Next for Appalachian State?

As the Mountaineers begin their search for a new head coach, the focus will undoubtedly be on finding someone who can restore the program to its former glory. The next hire will need to embrace the high expectations that come with leading a team that has consistently been a contender in the Sun Belt and beyond.

Here’s a quick recap of Shawn Clark’s tenure and the current state of Appalachian State football:

• Clark’s overall record as head coach: 40-24
• Two conference title game appearances (2021, 2023)
• Signature win: 17-14 upset over Texas A&M in 2022
• 2023 season record: 5-6 (3-5 in the Sun Belt)
• Last losing season before 2023: 2013 (4-8 under Scott Satterfield)

For now, Mountaineer fans will have to wait and see who steps in to lead the program into its next chapter. One thing is certain: the passion and expectations surrounding Appalachian State football aren’t going anywhere.

As for Shawn Clark, his legacy at Appalachian State is a complicated one. While his tenure ended on a sour note, his contributions to the program—both as a player and a coach—will not be forgotten. He leaves behind a program with a proud tradition and a fanbase hungry for a return to championship contention.