Veteran College Football Coach Dana Dimel Dies at 62

The Illinois assistant and former head coach at UTEP, Houston, and Wyoming passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, leaving a legacy of mentorship and dedication.

Dana Dimel, a longtime figure in college football with over three decades of coaching experience, passed away in his sleep on December 3, 2024, at the age of 62.
Dimel was serving as a senior offensive assistant at Illinois, where he contributed to the team's 9-3 record this season under head coach Bret Bielema.
His coaching career included head coaching stints at Wyoming, Houston, and UTEP, as well as a notable tenure as offensive coordinator at Kansas State, where he was part of 12 bowl teams and a Big 12 championship in 2012.
Former players and colleagues, including NFL star Rob Gronkowski and Kansas State legend Bill Snyder, remembered Dimel for his mentorship, positive energy, and impact on countless lives.
Dimel is survived by his wife, Julie, and two children, and his contributions to the sport and its community are being widely celebrated and mourned.