"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 theteam that has raised the standard for the entire nation. Florida State iswithout question the program of the decade in college football and Chuck hasbeen an very integral part of their success."

Amato has spent the past 14 years as Florida State's assistant headcoach, directing the Seminoles defensive line for 14 years before takingcontrol of the linebacking corps four years ago. He has been a part of 11ACC championships, one as a player at NC State (1965), two as an assistantcoach 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 polleach of the past 13 years, and the Seminole defense has ranked in the top 10nationally in rushing defense seven of the last eight years. The Seminolesranked in the top 20 in all four defensive categories (total defense,rushing defense, passing efficiency defense and scoring defense) in 1999 andranked first nationally in three categories last season.

Amato coached three consensus All-Americans at FSU, DE ReinardWilson, LB Sam Cowart and DE Andre Wadsworth. Since he took over thedirection of the linebacking corps four years ago, he has directed atwo-time Butkus Award semifinalist (Daryl Bush), and four NFL draft picks.He also produced some of the nation's top defensive linemen while leadingthat 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 fromtelevision, radio, public appearances, camps, or any other endorsementopportunities.

"Chuck's knowledge of the game of football is evidenced by thesuccess that his players have enjoyed," Robinson said. "But in addition tohis coaching skills, Chuck has shouldered an enormous amount ofadministrative responsibility. That sets him apart from any other assistantcoach in the country.

"He has an uncommon ability to relate to people. Thosecommunication skills are a direct link to his ability to recruit qualityplayers and will also prove invaluable as he begins to build a coachingstaff. 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 thatwill help NC State reach the level that we dream about.

"The icing on the cake is the fact that Chuck is an NC Statealumnus. 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 amember of the Wolfpack family come back home."

A native of Easton, Pa., the 53-year-old Amato earned his B.S. inmathematics education from NC State in 1969 and his master's in education in1973. He was a three-year letterwinner in football and wrestling for theWolfpack, playing on the gridiron for the legendary Earle Edwards. Heplayed on the 1965 squad that earned an ACC co-championship and posted twoundefeated seasons as a wrestler, earning two ACC titles.

Following his graduation from NC State, Amato spent two years as anassistant coach at his prep alma mater, Easton Area High School. In 1971, hebegan a nine-year stint as an assistant with the Wolfpack, working under AlMichaels, Lou Holtz and Bo Rein. He served as a graduate assistant in 1971and 1972, coached the defensive secondary from 1973-75, and was thedefensive coordinator and linebacker coach from 1976-79. He coached fourAll-ACC defensive backs for the Wolfpack during that stretch and alsocoached current Pittsburgh Steeler head coach Bill Cowher.

Prior to joining the Florida State staff, Amato spent two seasons atthe University of Arizona (1980-81), where he served as defensivecoordinator and linebacker coach.

Amato has been married to the former Peggy Jean Brown, a native ofRaleigh, 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), linebackercoach at Florida State (1996-99); Defensive coordinator/linebacker coach atArizona (1980-81); Defensive coordinator/linebacker coach at NC State(1976-79), defensive secondary coach at NC State (1973-75), graduateassistant coach at NC State (1971-72); High School - Assistant coach atEaston (Pa.) High School (1969-70).

PLAYING EXPERIENCE: College - Lettered three years (1965, 66, 67) atlinebacker for NC State; Also a three-year letterman in wrestling, earningACC titles in two weight classes; High School - Three-year letterwinner atlinebacker 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 educationin 1973.

PERSONAL DATA: Born June 26, 1946 in Easton, Pa. Married to the formerPeggy Jean Brown of Raleigh since 1974. Has twin daughters, LuGina andSelena.

BOWL PARTICIPATION: As a coach: 1982 Gator Bowl, 1983 Peach Bowl, 1984Citrus Bowl, 1985 Gator Bowl, 1986 All-American Bowl, 1987 Fiesta Bowl, 1988Sugar Bowl, 1989 Fiesta Bowl, 1990 Blockbuster Bowl, 1991 Cotton Bowl, 1992Orange Bowl, 1993 Orange Bowl, 1994 Sugar Bowl, 1995 Orange Bowl, 1996 SugarBowl, 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 playerat 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 noseguardOdell Haggins, who has served as an assistant coach at Florida State for thepast six years; FSU has ranked in the top four of the final Associated Presspoll each of the past eight years and the Seminole defense has ranked in thetop 10 nationally in rushing defense seven of the last eight years; TheSeminoles ranked in the top 20 in all four defensive categories (totaldefense, rushing defense, passing efficiency defense and scoring defense) in1999 and ranked first nationally in three categories last season; Hascoached three consensus All-Americans at FSU, DE Reinard Wilson, LB SamCowart and DE Andre Wadsworth; While coaching linebackers, has directed atwo-time Butkus Award semifinalist (Daryl Bush), and four NFL draft picks.