Former N.C. State coach Chuck Amato has applied to be the Charlotte 49ers first head football coach.
"I'd love to be the guy there, it would be a real neat thing to do," said Amato, who took the Wolfpack to five bowl games in seven seasons and had a 49-37 record. . "The opportunity to do something from scratch, to put everything in place.That would be a different mountain to climb."
Amato, 64, was fired at N.C. State after the 2007 season, then returned for two seasons to Florida State (where he had been an assistant before) as the Seminoles' executive associate head coach. He wasn't retained on the Seminoles' staff when coach Bobby Bowden retired after the 2009 season.
Amato said he hasn't been interviewed for the job yet and hasn't heard from 49ers athletics officials. Charlotte athletics director Judy Rose has said she won't comment on the football coaching job search until a hire has been made.
But Amato has talked to Rose about the job. While visiting Charlotte last August to watch the Carolina Panthers practice, he dropped in unannounced to speak with Rose.
"They've really done their homework on (football)," said Amato. "It looks like a great situation"
Amato, who has homes in Raleigh and Tallahassee, Fla., was diagnosed with throat cancer in early 2010. He said he's "clean" of the disease now after treatment. He said he served as a consultant last summer for the Canadian Football League's Montreal Allouettes.
The 49ers have received at least 100 applications for the job (which pays $175,000 per year), but they're culling the tightly held list to about 20 realistic candidates. Rose has said she would like to have a coach hired by April 1.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Grambling State coach Rod Broadway -- a former Duke assistant and N.C. Central head coach -- might have interest, although Grambling athletics director Lin Dawson said in an email that Charlotte hasn't requested permission to talk with him.
Two other former ACC coaches have told The Observer they're not interested in the 49ers job. Former Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said he hadn't heard from Charlotte and had not applied. Former North Carolina coach John Bunting said he is not interested in the job.
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64 comments:
Great read! Good to know someone is out there doing their homework!
If Amato wants the job and is willing to work for the offered price then bring him on board already. Some may question his gameday play calling skills but we know he has great recruiting connections and that he can fundraise and that is exactly what this new program will need to get going. Maybe bring in a Head Coach in waiting to work one of the coordinator positions.
Broadway would be a great back-up choice. He has great recruiting connections in the Carolinas' and rumor has it he wants to come home to NC.
He would be a great fit at another second rate football program if the expectations are low. How about Rich Rod? Or Dick Sheridan? Or Tommy West?
He is a salesman and would be great. However, he would be too big for our program. Judy would never want that much publicity!!!
I'm just excited to be at this stage of the process and know we have plenty of potential candidates to begin looking at. Can't wait for 2013!
Wow, 100 applicants. They must be doing something right!
I would be pleased with Amato for the same reasons FBN stated. Good fundraiser, good recruiter, would generate some buzz.
Broadway is an interesting prospect that I had not considered but would be pleased with. Sounds like he could be a successful hire.
North Carolinian, 67-25 record as a head coach, and a decent pedigree coming from the Steve Spurrier tree.
Good Article, David. Thanks for doing some homework.
$175,000?!?
Good luck with that.
Hahahahahahahahaha...
You guys are really considering this clown?
$175,000 is a base salary paid by the state, with incentives the total will easily exceed $350-400,000.
Some of you guys will crucify whoever we hire.
If we hire Chuck Amato he'll get bashed because he got fired at NCSU.
If we hire a Rod Broadway-type he'll get bashed because he's not a "name."
Can't please anyone.
Job, you are right. Haters will hate no matter what direction we go in. If Bowden isn't in the picture, I think Amato is no brainer.
As much as love The Chest, I think UNCC would be better off hiring a dynamic young coach. Chuck is already at retirement age. I'm not sure that's how you want to start a program.
i have worked for Chuck Amato, and UNCC would be very lucky to get him, espeecially at that price. He has proven track record as coach. Heck, every successful coach will tell you that you have not made it until you are fired once. W/ that being said, he has the passion, intensity, recruiting connections, and most importantly, a quality reputation to bring in top notch young assistants, like a Manny Diaz- type, who can help build a strong foundation for UNCC and also have enough charisma to compete w/ the attention paid to the Panthers.
and to clarify, i am not stating that Manny Diaz will leave Texas, just stating that Coach Amato hgave him his start as a GA at NC State.
Thanks and start the get Amato buzz!
Bill: I think an up-and-comer could be a good option as well, but I would speculate based on the article that Amato would like to come in and get the program off the ground, possibly with a head coach in waiting as one of his coordinators. Then after 5 years (3 seasons starting in 2013) he could leave the program in capable hands and cement his legacy.
IMHO.
The Cataba Coach makes 145K
As an Appstate and NCSU fan, I do not like this. Amato would be a perfect hire for UNCC as he's a great recruiter and knows how to generate excitement and build a fan base.
I'm a firm believer that the area is too saturated with college football already, which hurts recruiting for my teams.
That said, if they hire him, I'll watch.
I think Amato would be a great hire from a recruiting standpoint and he would definitely generate a buzz for our program but lets be honest: by the time our team hits the field he will be 67 and would most likely be a temporary solution. I'd rather get a no name young coach with good work experience who could stay and build our program over 10-15 years.
This would be an excellent hire for UNCC! As a current student here, we need someone who can go out and sell the program to recruits. Amato would come in and bring tons of experience and a he would get the recruits. He wouldn't be here forever, so he could get the program going and then move over for another coach once the program is established. I would love to see this happen!
I would prefer to see an experienced, been there, done that coach versus a younger more dynamic coach. A coach like Amato would come in and immediately show Charlotte how Florida State and NC State do things. These are quality D1 programs. The younger coaches may be more dynamic with the X's and O's, but a starting program needs money, publicity, recruiting and the right direction. I think Amato would be a heck of a steal.
It is also good to see the interest showed in the 49ers. These guys have done their homework. They know the potential, and they all want to be a part of it.
What's a Cataba Coach?
You guys that are asking for a young dynamic coach, are out of you element. You need an experienced coach to build a program. This is a no brainer if the guy has openly said he is interested. Judy, Judy, Judy (said in my best Gomer Pyle voice), pull the trigger baby, you and Chuck have the same haircut and barrel chest. Get Chuck and hire Minter as a Coordinator or DB coach and let him work at becoming the future Coach. I like Minter, but he isn't ready for this Job.
Would love to see the green shoes!
Great News!
I dare anyone to compare Amatos credentials with Hector Cowan's or Perrin Busbee's or even EB Beaumonts!
Sounds like we are off to a great start!
This would be a great hire for UNCC. A brand new 1 AA school could normally never even come close to hiring a guy with his resume.
I am not even a state fan, but this would be good for the 49ers
I wanted Tommy Bowden! Chuck Amato wouldn't be bad.oy
I would support Amato only if he promises to wear neon green shoes on the sideline.
Chuck Amato would be a GREAT hire! His enthusiasm is contagious.
175K base is above average for FCS. App St coach doesn't make much more than that.
Charlotte is a startup FCS program remember. Assistants at BCS schools make half a million.
Chuck is way too old and has bad reputation. Simply put, he became a joke at NCSU.
I think UNCC would be very lucky to have Amato. Like a couple others have already previously mentioned his age is a bit of a detriment, but Rose could hire a young, dynamic coordinator that could learn the politics, recruiting and fundraising skills that Chuck brings to the table.
I really think he could provide a great start for the program.
More than likely they will hire some token black so all the groups around here do not get upset. We all know that Charlotte is the Bastion of Racism. When in actuallity it is the Bastion of reverse Discrimination against anyone who is not black!
Grambling!! HAHAHAHAAHHA
so is Major "young and dynamic"? lol
Man, hire Amato already! Would be thrilled to have him as a coach. Would energize the fan base and he has been a successful coach in a BCS conference.
Judy, pull the trigger!
I love how all of the area schools want to bash on Charlotte just to keep them down. if you don't care why do you keep reading articles about Charlotte?
Yo Chuck "The Chest" Amato,
You are def the man for the job but its UNCC 49ers. Get it right up front because Rose is on her way out the door.
You didnt call NCSU Wolfpack the Raleigh Wolfpack did you? lol
You didnt call FSU Seminoles the Tallahassee Seminoles did you? lol
Thats what happens when you put a female in charge and she copies Cincy not to mention all the students and were band nerds. lol
They are SCARED of the GREAT UNC namesake that made them a lil something as opposed to a lil nuttin 2 yr "charlotte college" termites LOL. Laughable.
They are clueles.
GO UNC-CH HEELZ
This would be a great hire for Charlotte! As a NCSU fan, I can tell you that Chuck is a great guy and would bring instant excitement and credibility to this program. I see his age as a major plus if he can bring in a bunch of aggressive young coaches and develop the future head coach in-house. Perfect for a new program. It would be a nice legacy. Bring on the green shoes!
lol, got a good laugh off the person who typed cataba instead of catawba. lol, must be a Duke grad
Thanks for the article David...
I'd be onboard with Chuck as the HC ... it'd be a great hire!
I'm skeptical of Amato. With the shades and bright red shoes at night games, he became a joke. I don't want that to happen to our first head coach. I do agree he has the personality and people skills to raise funds and keep everyone motivated. I guess I would support hiring him if I could be convinced he learned from his mistakes at State.
Bunting doesn't want the job? Good! Not only do I not want a UNC-CH guy, I don't want anyone who has even driven near the UNC-CH campus other than as a member of an opposing team.
Rose has a ton of work to do if she wants to go from 100 applicants to naming a coach in 2 months. Ground-breaking for the stadium isn't until July, so I'd rather they not rush the process just to meet an arbitrary date. The ground-breaking is a particular milestone. Long as they have a coach in place before then, I'm fine.
I've always heard groundbreaking was in May.
N.C. State fans still love Chuck. He was a great fundraiser and a great recruiter. His biggest failure was his inability to keep assistant coaches. If he can get that fixed, he'll do just fine in Charlotte.
"They are SCARED of the GREAT UNC namesake that made them a lil something as opposed to a lil nuttin 2 yr "charlotte college" termites LOL. Laughable."
What an idiot, that belching of a comment wasn't even comprehensible English. Sounds like one of the many "UNC-CH HEELZ" fans who never attended any University... or graduated from high school... or has teeth.
If Charlotte is such "a lil nuttin 2 yr "charlotte college, termites," why are you spending your time posting illegible comments on this post? Sounds to me like someone is compensating for something. What's-a-matta? Some kid from Charlotte get hired for a job over you? From the sound of your post, you obviously lack of a firm grasp on the English language. I don't blame them for passing over you.
Anyways, back to the subject at hand. Amato would be a good hire to get things going, but definitely not a long-term solution at HC. He could be more of a mentor to a younger coach, more-so than a long-term solution. I like where things are headin'. Go Niners!
Sound the Alarm, the Trolls are out and about!
Stadium groundbreaking is April 28th
"Ice!"
if Amato is not hired i hope the football and basketball, donors can make a serious push to FIRE Judy Rose. this is a no brainier!
I ain't buying this! Not for one minute! It's too smart and too intelligent for this administration to pull off. Let them rattle your chain. At the end of the day you’ll see” they are what they are.” Incompetent!
This is their attempt to distract everyone from their lousy basketball decisions and season.
U of Charlotte doesn't need Chuck Amato.Get a guy who will be around at top speed for awhile. I know Chuck is a great guy and raises money but the program has to have a guy who will win and recruit right away.What is Chuck going to do bring up a bunch of Fla. and out of towners.We are a football hotbed and we need someone who will canvas this area not run down to Fla.for players.The identity of this program is local,there is enough really good players within 50 miles of here,great players who will stay with the right staff.Western Carolina always sucks and half their team is from Fla. and other states.No Retreads.Coach at WSSU is a good young coach,lots of energy.Would it have to be a major name?Shinnick at Pembroke an up and comer being on the verge of building a D2 power within 6 years. Would Bill Cowher work for nothing to build a college power in 7-8 years.Just a wishful thought.Either way it has to be a guy who will stomp this area for talent.TOOOOOO MUCH HERE.
Yeah, the UNC-Heelz guy is definitely an idiot, who has surely never seen the indside of a college classroom, let alone UNC. And he certainly doesn't speak for those of us who are UNC alumni. I don't speak for all of us either, but I do wish best of luck to the 49'ers. Please don't judge us by what that moron had to say. UNC '74.
won't happen.
Just the Howard Schnellenberger sort of coach the school needs. Look at where Florida Atlantic was in 2001.
you think my locks will stick out of the ear holes?
Chuck would be a gift. He can recruit and coach defense like very few out there. Plus the enthusiasm he would bring is immeasurable.
I am an NCSU grad and if Amato is hired, I would become a 49er fan. I have missed him every game since TOB has been in Raleigh. Get the man a pen and let him sign up!!
They HAVE TO make this hire. For all the reasons others have stated. If they are going to get the students and the community on board with this thing it has to be from day one. Chuck the chest would be a great first step.
That "heelz" idiot seems like the typical fan of UNC-Chapel Hill that never went to college. They have never realized they are the primary reason so many fans do not like UNC.
Amato is exactly what we Niners need. Hiring him will show the city we are serious about football.
At least a 100 applications? Before we settle on Amato as the "no-brainer" choice, wouldn't that determination depend on who are the other 99 applicants?
@Anonymous 2:12
Cleanup on Aisle 7 and check the restrooms too I think they're out of paper.
Why not hire this guy? UNCC is going to be a bottom-level FCS team for several years before they move up and are a bottom-level FBS team for several more years. Let's say best case, it takes them 6-years to be competitive in FBS after their tenure in FCS, what young coach is going to want to hang around all that time, let alone coach in FCS at all? Let's assume they play in FCS for 5-years, which seems short, they wouldn't field a competitive FBS team until at least 2024. They won't be in the ACC, they won't be in the SEC, they won't even be in the Big East. They will at best be in Conference USA, and there aren't many glory jobs there already. You got to be realistice, and getting somebody like Amato is too good to be true.
@anon 8:15
What makes you think the college football landscape will resemble anything similar to what we see now in 2024? The Big East probably wont even exist by then. Hell, the BCS conferences could break away from the NCAA by then.
There is nothing static about conference alignments, and anything can happen.
Sure, things will change in the next 15 years, but UNCC still won't have what these conferences want, which is either a huge TV market they are dying to get in or history of excellence in football. They aren't a big money school either, and the only way some of these schools sneak into conferences is because they are top-tier academic schools that have deep connections, which UNCC doesn't have either.
I am not a fan of Amato due to his large ego. However,his age and resume are perfect. He has the hardware of bowl wins at NCSU and NC Rings from the FSU heyday. He emanates passion for football. UNCC would be foolish to not make him the initial face of the program. I would bet within 5 years, they would had some degree of success. (ticket sales, corporate sponsors and quite likely winning football. Just look at Carter Finley pre and post Chuck. Enough said.
@anon 1:09
That's the whole point in fielding a football team in the first place. Chicken or the egg? We will get there.
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