Longtime college football coach Dana Dimel, most recently an assistant at the University of Illinois, died Tuesday at the age of 62, his family announced.
After an All-America playing career as an offensive tackle at Kansas State, Dimel enjoyed a 35-year coaching career – which included stints as the head coach at Wyoming (1997-99), Houston (2000-02) and Texas-El Paso (2018-23).
After leaving UTEP, Dimel joined the Illinois staff this season as senior offensive assistant under coach Bret Bielema.
‘Today is a difficult day for college football and our Illini famILLy,’ Bielema said in a statement released by the university. ‘Dana was an exceptional person, husband, father, friend, and football coach. He affected the lives of countless coaches, players, and staff members for more than three decades in college football. His influence on our program was incredible to witness and be a part of. His infectious positive energy had a major impact on me, our players, and everyone in our building every day.’
Dimel worked under legendary Kansas State coach Bill Snyder three different times, serving as offensive coordinator from 2011-2017 during the Wildcats’ run of eight consecutive bowl appearances.
As a head coach, Dimel went 22-13 over three seasons at Wyoming, 8-26 in three years at Houston and 20-49 – including one bowl appearance – over six seasons at UTEP.