Long-time college football coach and former Kansas State All-American offensive tackle Dana Dimel passed away Dec. 3, 2024 at the age of 62, his family announced. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.

Dimel spent the 2024 season as Illinois' Senior Offensive Assistant, helping Illinois to a 9-3 record. 

Dimel was a 35-year veteran of the coaching community, including stops as head coach at Wyoming (1997-99), Houston (2000-02), and UTEP (2018-13).

"Today is a difficult day for college football and our Illini famILLy," said head coach Bret Bielema on Dimel's passing. "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. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family."

A product of Kansas State legend Bill Snyder's coaching tree, Dimel served three stints on Snyder's staff at Kansas State following an All-America playing career as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats from 1984-86. Dimel signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings and attended training camp in 1987 before embarking on his coaching career. He was later recognized as a member of Kansas State's All-Decade Team for the 1980's.

Overall Dimel was a part of 12 bowl teams during 19 seasons in Manhattan. The Wildcats posted an 11-win season (2012) with a Big 12 Championship, two 10-win campaigns (1995 and 2011) and five nine-win seasons (1993, 1994, 1996, 2014, and 2016) during that span, and finished in the top-25 of the BCS and CFP rankings on three occasions – 2011 (No. 8 BCS), 2012 (No. 5 BCS), and 2014 (No. 11 CFP).

Dimel, a Columbus, Ohio, native, compiled the most wins of any active offensive coordinator in college football from 2011-17 (61) and was a part of eight straight bowl appearances. Overall, in his 32 seasons as a head or assistant coach, Dimel mentored 37 players who went on to play in the NFL.

Dimel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from Kansas State in 1986. His son, Winston, was a three-time All-Big 12 fullback at Kansas State before transferring to play under his father in his first season as UTEP head coach in 2018.

Coaching Career