Longtime NFL assistant and offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese passed away on Monday. He was 86.
Over his 28 years of NFL service, Zampese worked for seven NFL franchises in various roles.
During his time with the San Diego Chargers from 1979-1986, Zampese was a receivers coach, assistant head coach, and offensive coordinator under head coach Don Coryell. With hall of fame quarterback Dan Fouts under center, his offense was first in the league in passing almost every season.
“He meant a great deal,” Fouts told The Associated Press. “Obviously, the way that he and Don Coryell worked together to develop this amazing passing attack and offense. But you know, even more than that, I mean, everybody loved Ernie.”
From 1994-1997, Zampese was the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator and won Super Bowl XXX in 1995. His quarterback, Troy Aikman, shared a lengthy tribute post on Instagram.
Following his time in Dallas, Zampese concluded his coaching career in New England as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator under head coach Pete Caroll from 1998-1999.
Zampese later served as an offensive consultant with the Cowboys (2000-01), Rams (2002), and Washington (2004). His son Ken is presently the quarterback’s coach for the Commanders.
“We mourn the loss of Ernie Zampese, father of QB coach Ken Zampese and one of the most innovative offensive minds throughout his long NFL coaching career. Our hearts are with Ken and the entire Zampese family,” the Commanders Twitter account wrote Monday.
The Patriots also shared their condolences.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of former Patriots OC Ernie Zampese. pic.twitter.com/OgQ8ybN5z7
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 29, 2022
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