Pat Clark
Associate Head Coach / Co-Defensive Coordinator
Central State University Football
Central State University proudly welcomes Coach Pat Clark to Head Coach Tony Carter’s staff as the Associate Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator for the Marauders football program. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Clark enters his first season at CSU bringing with him a wealth of experience at both the collegiate and high school levels.
Prior to joining the Marauders, Clark served as the Cornerbacks Coach and Assistant Special Teams Coach at Bucknell University, where he was responsible for the kickoff return unit. Under his guidance, the unit ranked among the top in the Patriot League, highlighted by returner Coleman Bennett earning All-Conference honors. Clark also played a significant role in the development of standout defensive back Ethan Robinson, who earned First Team All-Conference recognition before transferring to the University of Minnesota.
Before Bucknell, Clark was the Cornerbacks Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Catawba College. During the 2022 season, his special teams unit ranked among the best in NCAA Division II. His efforts helped punter Clayton Crile and return specialist Kyjuan Pryor earn First Team All-Conference accolades. He also mentored freshman cornerback Zy Brown, who garnered All-Conference recognition after recording three interceptions, 42 tackles, and one fumble recovery.
In 2023, Coach Clark was selected for the prestigious Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship with the New York Jets. During his time with the Jets, he worked under former safeties coach Marquand Manuel and contributed to special teams operations.
Clark began his collegiate coaching career at Webber International University, coaching cornerbacks and free safeties. There, he helped free safety Trent Peacock earn All-Conference honors.
Before transitioning to the college ranks, Clark served as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville for seven years. Under his leadership, Sandalwood’s defense consistently ranked at or near the top of the Gateway Conference. During his tenure, over 40 of his student-athletes received college football scholarships, including current Arizona Cardinals cornerback Chris Jones.
A former student-athlete himself, Clark was a four-year letterman at Georgia Tech, where he began his career as a wide receiver before transitioning to defensive back and kickoff returner in his final two seasons. Following college, he competed in the Arena Football League, playing both wide receiver and defensive back with teams in Spokane, WA; Youngstown, OH; and Tampa Bay from 2010 to 2011.
Coach Clark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Georgia Tech and a Master’s degree in Physical Education from the University of South Florida. He is the proud father of twins, Grayson and Cadence Clark.
