Former NC State football coach Chuck Amato dies at 80

Chuck Amato, former head coach of the NC State Wolfpack football team, has died at the age of 80, the university announced on Monday, WRAL reported.

Amato served as head coach from 2000 to 2006 and achieved a 49-37 record. His 49 wins rank fourth in program history, behind Dave Doeren, Earle Edwards, and Dick Sheridan, according to WRAL.

During his tenure, Amato led NC State to five bowl games and produced notable players such as quarterback Philip Rivers and linebacker Dantonio Burnette. The 2002 season was the best in program history, with an 11-3 record and a No. 12 ranking in the AP Top 25, WRAL said.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein described Amato as "NC State to his core," praising him as a good coach and a better man in a social media post, WRAL reported.

NC State's athletics website noted Amato was a two-sport athlete and two-time graduate of the university who returned to lead his alma mater with passion and success.

The university and community remember Amato for his contributions to NC State football and his impact on the program's history.