Sports · American Football · 1 day ago
Former NC State coach Chuck Amato dies at 80
Chuck Amato, a former NC State football coach, has died at 80 at his home in Raleigh, North Carolina, the school said.
He played for NC State before returning to coach there, and later worked under Bobby Bowden at Florida State.
Amato led NC State to an 11-3 record in 2002, the best season in the school's history.
Quarterback Philip Rivers led that team, and Amato helped develop him.
He also helped Florida State win two national championships during his time on Bowden's staff.
Amato coached NC State from 2000 to 2006, finishing with a 49-37 record and five bowl appearances.
His coaching career ended at Akron, and he is survived by his wife, Peggy, and two daughters.
Former NC State coach Chuck Amato died at 80, the school announced Monday.
He died under hospice care at his home in Raleigh, North Carolina, according to NC State and ESPN.
Amato led the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2006, compiling a 49-37 record.
His 2002 team went 11-3, the best season in school history, with Philip Rivers leading the way.
Before coaching NC State, Amato helped Florida State win two national titles under Bobby Bowden.
- Who
- Chuck Amato, former NC State head football coach and Florida State assistant.
- What
- He died at 80.
- When
- Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- At his home in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Amato played linebacker at NC State and was a two-time ACC champion wrestler.
He returned to NC State as a graduate assistant, later becoming defensive coordinator.
Amato joined Florida State as a defensive assistant.
He became head coach at his alma mater, NC State.
He led the Wolfpack to an 11-3 season, the best in school history.
NC State announced that Amato had died at 80.
- Age
- 80
- NC State coaching record
- 49-37 over seven seasons, 2000-06
- Best NC State season
- 11-3 in 2002
- Florida State national titles
- Two under Bobby Bowden
- Place of death
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Death care
- Hospice care
3 sources
What people are saying
Wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for Chuck Amato
He made us believe things we could not see with our own eyes
Thank you for your influence and guidance in shaping me as a young LB from Western PA coming down to @PackFootball .
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RIP Coach Amato. Thank you for your influence and guidance in shaping me as a young LB from Western PA coming down to @PackFootball. You showed me tough love when I needed it & taught me Commitment, Sacrifice & Teamwork. You'll be missed, but your legacy will NEVER be forgotten!