Chris Mortensen@mortreportErnie Zampese passed away this morning at the age of 86, one of the most influential offensive coaches in NFL history.
"Ernie was doing stuff in the 70's and the 80's that people today think are new and it isn't," said Norv Turner. "If Don Coryell were here today, he'd tell you."
Coryell was just named a finalist as a coach for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame. Well before Coryell passed, while he was still an active coach, he said Zampese "was the best offensive mind I know."Uniquely, given his credentials, Zampese never became a head coach.
"He had no real ambition to be a head coach," Turner said via phone. "He just wanted to coach. He loved teaching, creativity, game plans. He touched a lot of players and coaches and I'm one of them. And you won't find anyone who knew him that has a bad word about him."
His son, Ken Zampese, is currently quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders and was excused by Ron Rivera to visit his ailing father on Sunday.
Turner visited his former mentor, as well. Tributes will be coming. Troy Aikman already has posted an Instagram.
#RIP
