Amato's tenure in Raleigh crested after Rivers graduated and left for the NFL. The Wolfpack 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 capped off the 2006 season. Noted losses include an upset by Akron, a third straight loss to archrival North Carolina, and a loss at home to East Carolina. Highlights of the 2006 season include wins against Boston College and Florida State. In a statement, Fowler acknowledged Amato's "excitement and enthusiasm." He continued, "This enthusiasm fueled an $87 million renovation to Carter–Finley Stadium." Nonetheless, mediocre 2005 and 2006 seasons led to the decision "to take the program in a new direction." Even with Rivers as quarterback, Amato's teams never won more than five games in conference play, and actually finished six games under .500 in ACC play.