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 at Illinois this season after spending six years 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 served as Kansas State’s offensive coordinator twice, most recently from 2009 to 2017. He spent a total of 20 seasons on Snyder’s staff at Kansas State and was part of 12 bowl teams and the 2012 Big 12 championship squad.

“Of course, we are deeply saddened by Dana’s death,” 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 instrumental in the development of the Kansas State football program and, along with his wife Julie, was a major influence in the Manhattan community.”

Dana Dimel has impacted countless student-athletes and people through his football career and the Illinois family was fortunate to have him on our team.

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

– Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) December 3, 2024

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

Illinois hired Dimel in July.

“He impacted the lives of countless coaches, players and staff over more than three decades in college football,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. “It was incredible to witness and be a part of his impact on our program. His infectious positive energy had a huge impact on me, our players and everyone in our building every day. We will miss him very much.”