App State head coach Shawn Clark fired after Southern loss

Despite having overall and conference records above .500 and two bowl game wins, it wasn’t enough for Shawn Clark to stay at Appalachian State.

He was fired Monday after a weekend loss to rival Georgia Southern. Clark will earn $500,000 as he leaves as part of a contract extension he signed in 2021.

Clark replaced Eli Drinkwitz in 2019 and became the 22nd coach of the Mountaineers. He was also a Appalachian State alum. 2024 was the first losing season for App State since 2013.

“I want to thank Shawn for all he has done for the App State football program,” said Appalachian Athletic Director Doug Gillin said in a prepared statement. “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.

“The expectation for App State Football is to annually compete for a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. We have commenced a national search to quickly find the next leader for App State Football. 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.”

(IMAGE: Appalachian State University, Boone NC / App State Athletics / Official website)