Ernie Zampese

Ernie Zampese
Biographical details
Born(1936-03-12)March 12, 1936
Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
DiedAugust 29, 2022(2022-08-29) (aged 86)
Playing career
1955–1956USC
Position(s)Halfback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1962–1963Hancock (backfield)
1964–1965Hancock
1966Cal Poly (backfield)
1967–1975San Diego State (DB)
1976San Diego Chargers (DB)
1977–1978New York Jets (scout)
1979–1982San Diego Chargers (receivers)
1983–1985San Diego Chargers (AHC)
1986San Diego Chargers (OC)
1987–1993Los Angeles Rams (OC)
1994–1997Dallas Cowboys (OC)
1998–1999New England Patriots (OC)
2000–2001Dallas Cowboys (off. consultant)
2002St. Louis Rams (off. consultant)
2004Washington Redskins (off. consultant)
Head coaching record
Overall9–8

Ernest Eugene Zampese (March 12, 1936 – August 29, 2022) was an American professional football coach in the National Football League (NFL). Playing for Santa Barbara High School, he was selected as the CIF Player of the Year in 1953 and went on to play at the halfback position for the USC Trojans in 1955 and 1956. Between 1962 and 1975, he was a college football coach at Allan Hancock Junior College (1962–1965), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (1966), and San Diego State University (1967–1975).

Between 1976 and 1999, Zampese served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for various National Football League teams. He gained his greatest acclaim as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers under head coach Don Coryell. He was the father of NFL coach Ken Zampese.