James Celerità

Chuck Amato

Sports Illustrated marks Florida State's 1993 national championship — a title Amato helped build over 18 seasons in Tallahassee.

Chuck Amato on the NC State sideline, where he spent seven memorable seasons as head coach.

Chuck Amato on the sideline in NC State red — the coach who came home and made Wolfpack football matter again.

Amato working the sideline in his signature red-tinted Oakleys and NC State red, the look that became his trademark.

Charles Michael "Chuck" Amato was born on June 26, 1946, in Easton, Pennsylvania — and from the very beginning, he was built for competition. A three-time letter winner in football and a Pennsylvania state wrestling champion at Easton Area High School, he arrived at North Carolina State University in 1965 not merely as a student-athlete, but as a force of nature. He lettered three years in both football and wrestling at NC State, captained the Wolfpack defense as a senior in 1967, and claimed ACC heavyweight wrestling championships in 1966 and 1968. When he walked off campus in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education — and later a master's degree in education — he was already the kind of man who made people believe in something bigger than themselves.

His 45-year coaching career began humbly at Easton Area High School before returning to NC State as a graduate assistant in 1971. Over the next decade he rose through the defensive staff, mentoring future Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher along the way. In 1982, legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden came calling, and Chuck answered. Over 18 seasons in Tallahassee, he coached an extraordinary collection of defensive talent — Derrick Brooks, Peter Boulware, Sam Cowart, Andre Wadsworth, Marvin Jones — and was instrumental in back-to-back national championships following the 1993 and 1999 seasons. That 1999 Seminoles squad made history as the first wire-to-wire No. 1 team in college football.

Then, in January 2000, Chuck Amato came home. Named NC State's 32nd head coach, he poured his heart into rebuilding the program he loved. The 2002 season became the pinnacle: an 11–3 record — a school record for victories — capped by a Gator Bowl win over Notre Dame, an AP Poll finish of No. 12, and ACC Coach of the Year honors from The Sporting News. Over seven seasons he compiled a 49–37 record, went 4–1 in bowl games, and delivered four victories over his mentor's Florida State program. After his tenure at NC State, he returned to Florida State before finishing his career at the University of Akron (2012–2017), helping the Zips win their first FBS bowl game and the 2017 MAC East Division championship.

Known affectionately as "Chuck the Chest" for his booming personality and imposing physical presence, he was instantly recognizable on the sideline — raspy voice, Oakley red-tinted sunglasses he swore were lucky, and a pair of flashy red shoes worn as a tribute to NC State basketball. He made everyone around him believe. Chuck Amato passed away on October 19, 2026, at his home in Raleigh, under hospice care, at the age of 80. He leaves behind his wife, Peggy, and daughters LuGina and Selena, along with a coaching tree that stretches across college football and a fanbase that will never forget his spirit.

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Chuck Amato

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