Chuck Amato Named NC State Head Football Coach
1/6/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Former NC State player Chuck Amato becomes
the 32nd head football coach in NC State History. (Photo: MARK WALLHEISER/Tallahassee Democrat)
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"Chuck brings so many positive aspects to this job," said Robinson. "He has not just been an assistant coach, but the number two man for the team that has raised the standard for the entire nation. Florida State is without question the program of the decade in college football and Chuck has been an very integral part of their success."
Amato has spent the past 14 years as Florida State's assistant head coach, directing the Seminoles defensive line for 14 years before taking control of the linebacking corps four years ago. He has been a part of 11 ACC championships, one as a player at NC State (1965), two as an assistant coach for the Wolfpack (1973, 1979), and eight consecutive at Florida State (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999).
FSU has ranked in the top four of the final Associated Press poll each of the past 13 years, and the Seminole defense has ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing defense seven of the last eight years. The Seminoles ranked in the top 20 in all four defensive categories (total defense, rushing defense, passing efficiency defense and scoring defense) in 1999 and ranked first nationally in three categories last season.
Amato coached three consensus All-Americans at FSU, DE Reinard Wilson, LB Sam Cowart and DE Andre Wadsworth. Since he took over the direction of the linebacking corps four years ago, he has directed a two-time Butkus Award semifinalist (Daryl Bush), and four NFL draft picks. He also produced some of the nation's top defensive linemen while leading that unit.
Amato's contract is a five-year deal with a yearly base salary of $185,000. The salary does not include any revenue generated from television, radio, public appearances, camps, or any other endorsement opportunities.
"Chuck's knowledge of the game of football is evidenced by the success that his players have enjoyed," Robinson said. "But in addition to his coaching skills, Chuck has shouldered an enormous amount of administrative responsibility. That sets him apart from any other assistant coach in the country.
"He has an uncommon ability to relate to people. Those communication skills are a direct link to his ability to recruit quality players and will also prove invaluable as he begins to build a coaching staff. I am confident that because of the person and coach that Chuck is, he will be able to attract the type of outstanding players and coaches that will help NC State reach the level that we dream about.
"The icing on the cake is the fact that Chuck is an NC State alumnus. He graduated from NC State, he earned his master's from NC State, he played at NC State and he coached at NC State. It's great to have a member of the Wolfpack family come back home."
A native of Easton, Pa., the 53-year-old Amato earned his B.S. in mathematics education from NC State in 1969 and his master's in education in 1973. He was a three-year letterwinner in football and wrestling for the Wolfpack, playing on the gridiron for the legendary Earle Edwards. He played on the 1965 squad that earned an ACC co-championship and posted two undefeated seasons as a wrestler, earning two ACC titles.
Following his graduation from NC State, Amato spent two years as an assistant coach at his prep alma mater, Easton Area High School. In 1971, he began a nine-year stint as an assistant with the Wolfpack, working under Al Michaels, Lou Holtz and Bo Rein. He served as a graduate assistant in 1971 and 1972, coached the defensive secondary from 1973-75, and was the defensive coordinator and linebacker coach from 1976-79. He coached four All-ACC defensive backs for the Wolfpack during that stretch and also coached current Pittsburgh Steeler head coach Bill Cowher.
Prior to joining the Florida State staff, Amato spent two seasons at the University of Arizona (1980-81), where he served as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach.
Amato has been married to the former Peggy Jean Brown, a native of Raleigh, for 25 years. The couple has twin daughters, LuGina and Selena.
CHUCK AMATO (NC State '69)
COACHING EXPERIENCE: College - Assistant Head Coach at Florida State (1986-1999), defensive line coach at Florida State (1982-95), linebacker coach at Florida State (1996-99); Defensive coordinator/linebacker coach at Arizona (1980-81); Defensive coordinator/linebacker coach at NC State (1976-79), defensive secondary coach at NC State (1973-75), graduate assistant coach at NC State (1971-72); High School - Assistant coach at Easton (Pa.) High School (1969-70).
PLAYING EXPERIENCE: College - Lettered three years (1965, 66, 67) at linebacker for NC State; Also a three-year letterman in wrestling, earning ACC titles in two weight classes; High School - Three-year letterwinner at linebacker for Easton High School.
EDUCATION: Graduated from Easton (Pa.) High School in 1964; Earned a B.S. in mathematics education from NC State in 1969 and a master's in education in 1973.
PERSONAL DATA: Born June 26, 1946 in Easton, Pa. Married to the former Peggy Jean Brown of Raleigh since 1974. Has twin daughters, LuGina and Selena.
BOWL PARTICIPATION: As a coach: 1982 Gator Bowl, 1983 Peach Bowl, 1984 Citrus Bowl, 1985 Gator Bowl, 1986 All-American Bowl, 1987 Fiesta Bowl, 1988 Sugar Bowl, 1989 Fiesta Bowl, 1990 Blockbuster Bowl, 1991 Cotton Bowl, 1992 Orange Bowl, 1993 Orange Bowl, 1994 Sugar Bowl, 1995 Orange Bowl, 1996 Sugar Bowl, 1997 Sugar Bowl, 1998 Fiesta Bowl, 1999 Sugar Bowl, 1972 Peach Bowl, 1973 Liberty Bowl, 1974 Bluebonnet Bowl, 1975 Peach Bowl, 1977 Peach Bowl, 1978 Tangerine Bowl.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
As a coach - Has been a part of nine ACC Championship teams, one as a player
at NC State (1965), two as an assistant coach for the Wolfpack (1973, 1979),
and eight consecutive at Florida State (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997,
1998, 1999); A number of Amato proteges are currently playing in the NFL,
including 1999 starters Peter Boulware (Baltimore), Reinard Wilson
(Cincinnati) and Andre Wadsworth (Arizona); Coached All-American noseguard
Odell Haggins, who has served as an assistant coach at Florida State for the
past six years; FSU has ranked in the top four of the final Associated Press
poll each of the past eight years and the Seminole defense has ranked in the
top 10 nationally in rushing defense seven of the last eight years; The
Seminoles ranked in the top 20 in all four defensive categories (total
defense, rushing defense, passing efficiency defense and scoring defense) in
1999 and ranked first nationally in three categories last season; Has
coached three consensus All-Americans at FSU, DE Reinard Wilson, LB Sam
Cowart and DE Andre Wadsworth; While coaching linebackers, has directed a
two-time Butkus Award semifinalist (Daryl Bush), and four NFL draft picks.