In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Appalachian State University announced on Monday that they have fired head football coach Shawn Clark after five seasons at the helm. The move comes on the heels of the Mountaineers’ first losing season since 2013, as they stumbled to a disappointing 5-6 record this year.
A Mountaineer Through and Through
Shawn Clark, an Appalachian State alumnus himself, took over as head coach in 2019 following the departure of Eliah Drinkwitz to Missouri. The university had hoped that promoting Clark from within would provide stability and continuity for a program that had seen its previous two head coaches poached by Power Five schools after just one season.
In his first two years at the helm, Clark seemed to be the steady hand App State was looking for. He led the Mountaineers to a 19-7 record over those two seasons, reaching the conference championship game in 2021. Clark even engineered one of the biggest upsets in recent memory when his squad stunned Texas A&M on the road in 2022.
Rising Expectations, Disappointing Results
However, the tide began to turn in 2023. After a promising 6-1 start, the Mountaineers collapsed down the stretch, losing five of their final six games to finish 7-6. While still respectable, it was a far cry from the lofty expectations App State had grown accustomed to.
This season, things went from bad to worse. Appalachian State stumbled out of the gates and never recovered, suffering through a three-game losing streak midway through the year. Even winning two of their final three games wasn’t enough to save Clark’s job, as the Mountaineers brass decided it was time for a change.
The expectation for App State Football is to annually compete for a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Athletic Director Doug Gillin
Those sky-high expectations, even for a Group of Five program, underscore just how far Appalachian State has come as a football power. It was just a decade ago that the Mountaineers were an FCS powerhouse, famously toppling Michigan in 2007. Now, simply competing for Sun Belt titles isn’t enough in Boone.
What’s Next for App State?
The search for Clark’s replacement will begin immediately, and the App State job is sure to be an attractive one. The Mountaineers have top-notch facilities, a passionate fan base, and a history of success. The new coach will be tasked with getting the program back to the top of the Group of Five mountain and delivering the conference titles and playoff appearances the administration craves.
BREAKING: Appalachian State has fired head coach Shawn Clark after a disappointing 5-6 season.
— College Football Insider (@CFBInsider_) December 2, 2023
AD Doug Gillin: "The expectation for App State Football is to annually compete for a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff."
As for Clark, his 40-24 overall record should make him an attractive candidate for another head coaching job. His unique relationship with App State, as both a player and coach, made this an especially difficult decision for all parties. But after a season that fell well short of expectations, the university decided it was time for a fresh start.
The college football coaching carousel never stops spinning, and Appalachian State made a bold move in deciding to jump aboard. Who they hire next will go a long way in determining whether the Mountaineers can reclaim their place among the elite of the Group of Five. For now, App State fans are left to wonder what might have been, while eagerly awaiting the dawn of a new era in Boone.
