Former North Carolina State University football coach Chuck Amato has died at the age of 80, leaving behind a lasting legacy in college football and a deep connection with the Wolfpack community.
Amato coached NC State from 2000 through 2006, recording 49 wins and 37 losses during his tenure. His 49 victories rank fourth in program history, behind Dave Doeren, Earle Edwards and Dick Sheridan.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein paid tribute to Amato in a social media post on Monday, remembering him as a devoted NC State alumnus who helped bring the football program back into the spotlight.
“Chuck Amato was NC State to his core,” Stein wrote. He also praised Amato’s character, saying he was a good coach and, by all accounts, an even better man.
The news prompted tributes from former players, fellow coaches and members of the college football community who remembered Amato for his personality, leadership and dedication to the sport.
Amato Led NC State to a Historic Season
Amato’s most memorable season came in 2002, when NC State won 11 games and finished No. 12 in the Associated Press Top 25. The 11 and 3 record remains the best single season in the program’s history.
During his first six seasons, Amato led the Wolfpack to five bowl games and helped develop several notable players, including quarterback Philip Rivers, who went on to become one of the most recognizable names in NC State football history.
Before becoming head coach in Raleigh, Amato spent 21 seasons working on Bobby Bowden’s staff at Florida State, contributing to the Seminoles’ successful run in college football. He had also spent eight seasons on the NC State coaching staff before taking over as head coach.
Amato’s influence extended beyond the players he coached. Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, an NC State alumnus who won a Super Bowl in 2006, credited Amato with helping shape his approach to football and teamwork.
In a tribute posted on X, Cowher thanked Amato for teaching him commitment, sacrifice and teamwork, while acknowledging the tough love he received when he needed it.
Duke football coach Manny Diaz, who worked under Amato from 2000 to 2005, also remembered him as an influential figure.
Diaz said he would not be where he is today without Amato and praised the enthusiasm that helped the coach inspire players and colleagues.
A Lifelong Connection to the Wolfpack
Amato’s relationship with NC State began long before his coaching career. As a player, he competed in both football and wrestling, captained the Wolfpack defense in 1967 and won two Atlantic Coast Conference wrestling titles in 1966 and 1968.
He later coached the Akron Zips for six seasons before retiring in 2018. At the time, he cited family responsibilities as an important reason for stepping away from coaching.
Amato had also spoken publicly about his battle with throat cancer, describing how the experience changed his perspective on life.
The University of Akron issued a statement recognizing his contributions from 2012 to 2017 and the lasting impact he made on student athletes and colleagues.
For NC State supporters, Amato will be remembered for his larger than life personality, his commitment to the Wolfpack and his role in one of the greatest seasons in the school’s football history.
