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Hank Bauer, who played for and coached with Zampese, announced
his passing on social media.
Zampese also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Los
Angeles Rams and New England Patriots during his 24 years in the
NFL.
He was recognized earlier this summer by the Pro Football Hall
of Fame with an Award of Excellence.
Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, in his Hall of Fame induction
speech in 2006, called Zampese "one of the best offensive minds
and greatest people that this game has ever known."
Zampese began his coaching career in 1962 when he was hired by
John Madden at Hancock Junior College in Santa Maria, Calif.
He worked as an assistant coach at Cal Poly (1966) and San Diego
State (1967-76) before breaking into the NFL as a scout for the
New York Jets from 1977-78.
Zampese joined head coach Don Coryell's staff with the Chargers
in 1979, coaching the wide receivers there until 1982. He was
the associate head coach in charge of the passing game from
1983-84 and the offensive coordinator from 1985-86.
Led by quarterback Dan Fouts, wide receivers like Charlie
Joiner, John Jefferson and tight end Kellen Winslow, the
Chargers led the NFL in passing almost every season under
Zampese's watch.
Zampese worked as the OC for the Rams (1987-93), Cowboys
(1994-97) and Patriots (1998-99). He later served as an
offensive consultant with the Cowboys (2000-01), Rams (2002) and
Washington (2004).
His son, Ken Zampese, is currently the quarterbacks coach for
the Washington 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," the Commanders said in
a statement. "Our hearts are with Ken and the entire Zampese
family."
--Field Level Media
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