Chuck Amato Retires from Coaching Football

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AKRON, Ohio — University of Akron associate head coach and defensive coordinator Chuck Amato has decided to retire from coaching, the 71-year old legend announced on Monday after addressing the members of the team.

"It's been a while that I've been thinking about this." Amato said. "Bobby Bowden preached for years the three 'F's– faith, family, and football– in that order. My wife has a sister and brother who are not doing well right now, and I've got twin boys (grandsons) in my house, and they just kill me. [he said with a laugh] I said to myself, 'Maybe it's time to go ahead and let someone else do it.' Just be happy and glad. I've been around. I've been to the top of the mountain twice, and if it wasn't for a wide left and a wide right, there'd be five of them (national championships). But I'm ready to retire, and I have to find something to do. If anybody out there has something they can give me, call me."

In 2017, Amato completed his sixth season at Akron and his 45th year in the collegiate coaching ranks, which included serving as head coach at North Carolina State and as a long-time assistant coach at Florida State.

"One of the hardest things I'm going to have to do as the head coach at the University of Akron is to replace Chuck Amato, my associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach, who has decided after an illustrious career at Florida State, N.C. State, and Akron to retire," head coach Terry Bowden said. "We'll have another person in here, but I'm not sure you can ever replace a guy like Chuck Amato. The thing that he has done to add character to our team, to add leadership, to be a mentor to our young men, and he's done it for nearly 50 years of coaching, that's irreplaceable in a lot of ways. On an individual basis, his development of linebackers was above all else. In his six years here, Justin March, Jatavis Brown, and Ulysees Gilbert—two of them playing in the NFL and the other I'm sure will have the opportunity, he's continued to be one of the premiere linebacker coaches in the country. We're excited about what he's done during his tenure here, getting us to two bowls in the last three years, getting us to a (MAC East) division championship for the first time in 12 years, beating our rival in three straight years, I think without Chuck Amato, that would not have been nearly as easy to obtain."

Amato is one of the most respected coaches and recruiters in college football and has produced winning football teams and numerous top draft picks throughout his career. In 2002, he was elected to the American Football Coaches Association Board of Trustees.

Amato served as head coach at his alma mater NC State from 2000-06 and posted a 49-37 record while guiding the program to five bowl appearances (4-1 record in those bowl games). He led the Wolfpack to their first 11-win season in school history in 2002 and highest national ranking (No. 12 in the final Associated Press poll; No. 11 in the final Coaches poll) since 1974, after defeating Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl. The 2004 NC State squad led the nation in total defense. Additionally, under Amato, quarterback Philip Rivers rewrote the program and ACC record books in every passing and total offense category. During his tenure, he had 22 players drafted into the NFL, including five in the first round.

In 2000, Amato's NC State squad defeated Minnesota in the MicronPC.com Bowl, in 2001, lost to Pittsburgh in the Tangerine Bowl, in 2003 downed Kansas in the Tangerine Bowl, and in 2006 topped South Florida in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

Amato spent 21 seasons on the staff at Florida State (1982-1999 and 2007-09). In his most recent stint (2007-09) he served as executive head coach to then-head coach Bobby Bowden. From 1982-95 he coached the defensive line, 1996-99 the linebackers and from 1986-99 also served as assistant head coach. He was part of 10 ACC championship teams and two national championship squads (1993 and 1999). Six of his Seminole players were selected in the NFL Draft's first round and 24 defensive players overall that he directly coached were drafted during his FSU tenure.

Amato was also a member of the NC State staff from 1971-79, serving as graduate assistant (1971-72), defensive secondary coach (1973-75) and defensive coordinator/linebackers coach (1976-79). He also coached linebackers at Arizona from 1980-81. His coaching career began at Easton High School in his hometown of Easton, Pa., where he was an assistant coach from 1969-70.

At Akron, alone, Amato mentored linebacker Jatavis Brown [2012-15], the 2015 All-Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, three-time first-team All-MAC selection, and first-ever UA linebacker to be drafted into the NFL; linebacker Justin March-Lillard [2011-14], who plays for the Dallas Cowboys; junior linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III, a two-time first-team All-MAC honoree; and safety Zach Guiser [2014-17] a first-team Academic All-American (second time in program history and first time since 1980); as well as 19 Academic All-MAC honorees, 11 All-MAC picks, and seven NFL players.

Amato lettered in football (linebacker) and wrestling at NC State, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1969 and master's degree in education in 1973. The 1965 football team won an ACC co-championship and he was captain of the defense in 1967. He won two ACC titles as a wrestler in 1966 (heavyweight) and 1968 (191-lb. weight class).

Amato and his wife Peggy have twin daughters, LuGina and Selena, and nine grandchildren. LuGina and her husband Rick have two daughters– Lexi and Lindsay– and twin sons– Giovani and Gabriel. Selena and her husband Dusty have three sons– Sterling, Asher, and Luca– and two daughters– Presley and Bristol.

Akron begins spring drills on March 19. The annual Spring Game is slated for Saturday, April 21, at Noon at InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field. Akron opens the 2018 season at Nebraska on Sept. 1.

Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all home games as well as a parking pass— start at only $60 each. For fans wishing to purchase new season tickets for the 2018 season, the Ticket Office is currently taking non-refundable deposits of $25/seat. As a season ticket holder, fans have the ability to purchase tickets for road games at Nebraska, Northwestern, and Iowa State.

To request tickets, please contact the Athletics Ticket Office by calling or texting 1-888-99-AKRON during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or purchase the deposit online at www.GoZips.com.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT CHUCK AMATO
"Chuck Amato worked with me over 20 years at Florida State. He was my right-hand man. He handled many of my burdens. I would give him a job to do, and I knew it would be done. I told Chuck one time, 'If I can keep you around, I could coach 25 more years.' He assisted our defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews many of those years with great defenses. He is a dedicated husband and father (and grandfather). Chuck never embarrassed any of the schools he coached. I could go on and on with superlatives. I wish Coach Amato and his family a happy life the rest of the way!"
– Bobby Bowden, retired head coach, Florida State University

"One of the best coaches to coach college football and a future college Hall of Fame coach. Not only is Coach Amato a great coach, he is an even greater mentor and inspiration to others. It was an honor and blessing to be able to play for him as a player, and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity he blessed me with. Enjoy the retired life you deserve it."
– Jatavis Brown [Akron '15], linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers

"I wouldn't be the coach I am today without the influence of Chuck Amato. Chuck coached his players with a combination of intelligence, toughness, and confidence that allowed them to compete at a high level. He has had a positive impact on countless young men, and they, like me, are better off because of him."
– Manny Diaz [N.C. State '01], defensive coordinator, University of Miami

"I am extremely grateful to have learned from Coach Amato for the entirety of my college career. He is a spectacular man who truly cares about the well-being of his players. Akron football will definitely not be the same without him. I wish him the best of luck in retirement!!"
– Zach Guiser [Akron '17], graduate physical therapy student, owner of Guiser Training

"The first day Coach Amato stepped on campus he had a 'win now' mentality. EVERY SINGLE DAY, Coach brought his passion and love for the game. Whether it was in film, in practice, in the 4th quarter winning by 20, or down by 50, he was always passionate. He taught us how to finish a job and to never give up (in football and in life). That was evident by him beating cancer, and never letting it affect him as a person or coach. Whether he was yelling at you on the field, asking you about your grades or asking about your family, you could tell he genuinely cared about you in all aspects of life. One thing I'll never forget is when he told me, 'Son, there are some players out there who can eat a peanut off your head, but I've seen a lot of players in my lifetime, and you could play anywhere in the country.' That right there gave me confidence to be the best player I could be. Every day I wanted to practice, and every day I wanted to give everything I had in me, because that's what coach expected from me and all of his other players. His greatest lesson to me was how important effort is; he said effort is one thing in life we can control. One thing that has stuck with me up to this point in my football career is a quote of his that I play by: 'Give everything you have to get to the ball, because when you get to the ball, good things happen.' He is a huge reason for my football success. I want to thank Coach for believing in me as a sophomore in college. Thank you for all the memories and all of the lessons! May God continue to bless you and your family!"
– Justin March-Lillard [Akron '14], linebacker, Dallas Cowboys

"I had the privilege to coach with Chuck Amato at Florida State University years ago. I was a young coach breaking into the business, and I learned a lot from him and also got a chance to become good friends as well. Congratulations, Chuck and Peggy. God bless."
– Mark Richt, head coach, University of Miami

"Coach Amato believed in me when I was an 18-year old kid from north Alabama. My four years playing for him at N.C. State were some of my favorite football years I have ever had. His mix of intensity and discipline, along with a swagger and passion for the game, made him unique. I'm thankful for my time with him. Coach, congrats on a great career!"
– Philip Rivers [N.C. State '03], quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers

"I have known Chuck Amato for the past 36 years, as a player and as a coach. He has been like a second father, mentor, and best friend! He has influenced thousands of student-athletes over the last five decades and has made a positive impact on them all! He has touched, motivated, and coached countless NFL players and stars over the years with there being too many to count. He is the best teacher I have ever encountered during my 33-year college career. I am thankful for the many life lessons he has given me and the many opportunities he has provided. He will be truly missed by everyone in the University community. Chuck Amato is the simply the best!"
– Todd Stroud [Florida State '85], assistant head coach & defensive line coach, University of Akron

AMATO's YEAR-BY-YEAR COACHING EXPERIENCE
Years         School (Position)
1969-70      Easton (Pa.) High School (assistant coach)
1971-72      NC State (graduate assistant)
1973-75      NC State (defensive secondary)
1976-79      NC State (defensive coordinator | linebackers)
1980-81      Arizona (linebackers)
1982-95      Florida State (defensive line)
1996-99      Florida State (linebackers)
1986-99      Florida State (assistant head coach)
2000-06      NC State (head coach) (49-37 record)
2007-09      Florida State (executive head coach)
2012-17      Akron (associate head coach | defensive coordinator)

AMATO'S BOWL HISTORY (35)
Bowl.................................... Date.............................................. Result
Liberty Bowl .................... Dec. 16, 1967.................. NC State 14, Georgia 7
Peach Bowl...................... Dec. 29, 1972......... NC State 49, West Virginia 13
Liberty Bowl..................... Dec. 17, 1973................. NC State 31, Kansas 18
Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl....... Dec. 23, 1974................ NC State 31, Houston 31
Peach Bowl...................... Dec. 31, 1975......... West Virginia 13, NC State 10
Peach Bowl...................... Dec. 31, 1977............. NC State 24, Iowa State 14
Tangerine Bowl................. Dec. 23, 1978............. NC State 30, Pittsburgh 17
Gator Bowl....................... Dec. 30, 1982............. Florida St. 31, West Va. 12
Peach Bowl...................... Dec. 30, 1983........ Florida St. 28, North Carolina 3
Citrus Bowl...................... Dec. 22, 1984............... Florida St. 17, Georgia 17
Gator Bowl....................... Dec. 30, 1985........... Florida St. 34, Okla. State 23
All-American Bowl............. Dec. 31, 1986................ Florida St. 27, Indiana 13
Fiesta Bowl....................... Jan. 1, 1988.............. Florida St. 31, Nebraska 28
Sugar Bowl....................... Jan. 2, 1989................... Florida St. 13, Auburn 7
Fiesta Bowl....................... Jan. 1, 1990.............. Florida St. 41, Nebraska 17
Blockbuster Bowl............... Dec. 28, 1990........... Florida St. 24, Penn State 17
Cotton Bowl...................... Jan. 1, 1992............. Florida St. 10, Texas A&M 2
Orange Bowl..................... Jan. 1, 1993.............. Florida St. 27, Nebraska 14
Orange Bowl..................... Jan. 1, 1994.............. Florida St. 18, Nebraska 16
Sugar Bowl....................... Jan. 2, 1995.................. Florida St.23, Florida 17
Orange Bowl..................... Jan. 1, 1996.......... Florida St. 31, Notre Dame 26
Sugar Bowl....................... Jan. 2, 1997.................. Florida 52, Florida St. 20
Sugar Bowl....................... Jan. 1, 1998............. Florida St. 31, Ohio State 14
Fiesta Bowl....................... Jan. 4, 1999............ Tennessee 23, Florida St.16
Sugar Bowl....................... Jan. 4, 2000 ......... Florida St. 46, Virginia Tech 29
MicronPC.com Bowl........... Dec. 28, 2000............. NC State 38, Minnesota 30
Tangerine Bowl................. Dec. 20, 2001............. Pittsburgh 34, NC State 19
Gator Bowl........................ Jan. 1, 2003.............. NC State28, Notre Dame 6
Citrus Bowl...................... Dec. 22, 2003................. NC State 56, Kansas 26
Meineke Car Care Bowl...... Dec. 31, 2005............ NC State14, South Florida 0
Music City Bowl................ Dec. 31, 2007.............. Kentucky 35 Florida St. 28
Champs Sports Bowl.......... Dec. 27, 2008............ Florida St. 42, Wisconsin 13
Gator Bowl........................ Jan. 1, 2010.......... Florida St.33, West Virginia 21
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.... Dec. 22, 2015.................. Akron 23, Utah State 21
Boca Raton Bowl............... Dec. 19, 2017............. Florida Atlantic 50, Akron 3

AMATO'S NO. 1 DRAFT PICKS
Mario Williams ....... (Texans– No. 1 overall pick, 2006)
Manny Lawson ................................. (49ers, 2006)
John McCargo .................................... (Bills, 2006)
Philip Rivers ................................... (Giants, 2004)
Koren Robinson .......................... (Seahawks, 2001)
Andre Wadsworth.......................... Cardinals, 1998)
Sam Cowart ...................................... (Bills, 1998)
Peter Boulware ............................... (Raven, 1997)
Reinard Wilson ............................. (Bengals, 1997)
Derrick Alexander ............................ (Vikings, 1995)
Alphonso Carreker ......................... (Packers, 1984)

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Jatavis Brown

Ulysees Gilbert III

Zach Guiser

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