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Former NC State Coach Chuck Amato Dies at 80

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 2:29 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Chuck Amato Dies

Chuck Amato, former NC State head football coach, died at age 80 after a throat cancer recurrence.
Amato led the Wolfpack from 2000-2006, posting a 49-37 record.
Amato guided NC State to an 11-3 2002 season, winning the Gator Bowl and ranking No. 12.
Future NFL quarterback Philip Rivers started at quarterback for the 2002 Wolfpack under Amato.
Amato served on Bobby Bowden’s Florida State staff, aiding championships in 1993 and 1999.

Summary

Amato Announces Cancer

Amato publicly disclosed his throat-cancer diagnosis in 2010 after successful treatment the prior year.
His coaching tree includes Doc Holliday, Norm Chow, Buddy Green, Curt Cignetti and Manny Diaz.
He earned a bachelor’s in mathematics education in 1969 and a master’s in education in 1973.
At Akron, Amato helped the Zips win the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and the 2017 MAC East Division title.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 Bobby Bowden led Florida State to its first consensus national title, finishing 12-1 and becoming the first team ever ranked #1 from preseason through postseason. His staff included future head coach Chuck Amato, who disclosed a throat-cancer diagnosis in 2010. The championship cemented a coaching network that still shapes recruiting, fundraising and fan engagement today.

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Chuck Amato Dies

Chuck Amato, former NC State head football coach, died at age 80 after a throat cancer recurrence.
Amato led the Wolfpack from 2000-2006, posting a 49-37 record.
Amato guided NC State to an 11-3 2002 season, winning the Gator Bowl and ranking No. 12.
Future NFL quarterback Philip Rivers started at quarterback for the 2002 Wolfpack under Amato.
Amato served on Bobby Bowden’s Florida State staff, aiding championships in 1993 and 1999.

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