in the AP Poll. After Rivers graduated, Amato's NC State teams finished 5–6 in 2004, 7–5 in 2005, and 3–9 in 2006. On November 26, 2006, Amato was fired by NC State athletics director Lee Fowler after a seven–game losing streak to lose the 2006 season. Noted losses include an upset by the Akron Zips (5–7), a third straight loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels (3–9), and a loss at home to the East Carolina Pirates (7–5). Highlights of the 2006 season include wins against the Boston College Eagles and the Florida State Seminoles. In a statement, Fowler acknowledged Amato's "excitement and enthusiasm." This enthusiasm fueled an $87 million renovation to Carter–Finley Stadium. Nonetheless, mediocre 2005 and 2006 seasons led to the decision remove Amato and "to take the program in a new direction." Florida State In 2007, Amato returned to Florida State University as executive associate head coach and linebackers coach. In December 2009 with the retirement of Bobby Bowden, Amato was notified by new Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher that he will not be retained on staff. Amato coached the 2010 Gator Bowl game and was subsequently released from the Florida State program. In December 2009, Amato was diagnosed with neck and throat cancer. After a successful six week treatment, he vowed to return to coaching in 2011. Akron Amato returned to coaching for the 2012 season as the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator under Terry Bowden. Amato retired from Akron in February 2018. Head coaching record ACC championships Amato has been a part of 11 ACC championships, one as a player at North Carolina State (1965), two as an assistant coach for North Carolina State (1973 and 1979), and eight consecutive seasons at Florida State (1992 through 1999). References External links Akron profile 1946 births Living people American football linebackers Akron Zips football coaches Arizona Wildcats football coaches Florida State Seminoles football coaches NC State Wolfpack football coaches NC State Wolfpack football players High school football coaches in Pennsylvania Easton Area High School alumni Sportspeople from Easton, Pennsylvania Players of American football from Pennsylvania