Dana Dimel, Illinois assistant and former head coach, dies at 62

Dana Dimel, a longtime college coach who led programs at Wyoming, Houston and UTEP, died in his sleep Tuesday. He was 62.

Dimel served as a senior offensive assistant this season at Illinois, following a six-year tenure at UTEP. He is most closely associated with Kansas State, where he was an All-America offensive lineman before beginning his coaching career under Bill Snyder. Dimel twice served as Kansas State’s offensive coordinator, most recently from 2009 to 2017. He spent a total of 20 seasons on Snyder’s staffs at Kansas State and was part of 12 bowl teams and the Big 12 championship squad of 2012.

“Obviously, we are very saddened by the passing of Dana,” Snyder said in a statement. “He was a special friend and coaching companion. I admired his passion for helping his players and fellow coaches. He was a big part of the development of the Kansas State football program, and along with his wife Julie, very meaningful in the Manhattan community.”

Dana Dimel impacted countless student-athletes and people through his football journey and the Illinois famILLy was lucky to have him on our staff.

Our love and thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/AqcKnJSv9a

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) December 3, 2024

Dimel coached three seasons at both Houston and Wyoming, and went 50-88 overall as an FBS head coach. He also worked as an Arizona assistant from 2006 to 2008.

Illinois hired Dimel in July.

“He affected the lives of countless coaches, players, and staff members for more than three decades in college football,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. “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. He will be dearly missed.”