At 62 years old, Dana Dimel, a renowned college football coach, has passed away.

During his career, Dimel served as the head coach of three college football programs.

At 62 years old, Dana Dimel, a renowned college football coach, has passed away.
At 62 years old, Dana Dimel, a renowned college football coach, has passed away.

College football coach Dana Dimel died Tuesday. He was 62.

The Illinois football program announced the sudden death of Dimel, who was a senior offensive assistant.

Pete Roussel, the agent of the former coach, announced that he passed away in his sleep.

UTEP's head coach for six seasons, Dimel also coached Wyoming in the late '90s and led Houston Cougars from 2000-02.

Dana Dimel walks off the field
UTEP Miners head coach Dana Dimel walks off the field after a defeat against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2023. (Zachary BonDurant/USA Today Sports)

Before becoming a coach, Dimel was an All-American offensive lineman at Kansas State. After serving as an assistant coach under Bill Snyder, he was appointed as the Wildcats' offensive coordinator for the 1995 season.

In 2009, Dimel returned to Kansas State and was reinstated as offensive coordinator. Despite ending his second stint with the Wildcats in 2017, his tenure spanned 20 seasons. During this time, Dimel was part of a staff that coached in 12 bowl games and won the Big 12 championship in 2012.

Snyder released a statement Tuesday.

"Dana's passing has left us deeply saddened, as he was a cherished friend and coaching companion. Snyder, in a statement, expressed his admiration for Dana's passion for helping his players and fellow coaches. He was a significant contributor to the growth of the Kansas State football program and had a profound impact on the Manhattan community, alongside his wife Julie."

Dana Dimel looks on
Dana Dimel, 1962-2024 (Gaby Velasquez/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

In July, Illinois appointed Dimel as the senior offensive assistant for their football program, despite his FBS head coaching record being 50-88.

Dana Dimel smiles
Head UTEP football coach Dana Dimel congratulates seniors recognized before a game against FIU at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, Nov. 19, 2022. (Gaby Velasquez/El Paso Times/USA Today Network)

Illinois coach Bret Bielema stated that Dimel had an immense influence on Illinois and the college football landscape.

"Bielema's impact on college football was felt by countless coaches, players, and staff members for over three decades. His influence on the program was incredible to witness and be a part of. His infectious positive energy had a major impact on him, the players, and everyone in the building every day. He will be dearly missed."

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow Planet Chronicle Digital's sports coverage on X.

by Chantz Martin

sports

Reports suggest that John Spytek is expected to be hired as the new GM by the raiders.

Reports suggest that John Spytek is expected to be hired as the new GM by the raiders.

sports
Ben Shelton criticizes Australian Open interviewers for their treatment of players.

Ben Shelton criticizes Australian Open interviewers for their treatment of players.

sports
Ohio State's national championship victory left ESPN broadcaster in tears, and he explains the reason behind it.

Ohio State's national championship victory left ESPN broadcaster in tears, and he explains the reason behind it.

sports
Josh McDaniels is reportedly reuniting with the Patriots as Mike Vrabel's offensive coordinator.

Josh McDaniels is reportedly reuniting with the Patriots as Mike Vrabel's offensive coordinator.

sports
Hall of Fame voter reconsiders ex-MLB star's candidacy: "I didn't get credit for what I did"

Hall of Fame voter reconsiders ex-MLB star's candidacy: "I didn't get credit for what I did"

sports
Ravens player calls out Chiefs: "We must stop them from continuing their wrongdoing"

Ravens player calls out Chiefs: "We must stop them from continuing their wrongdoing"

sports
Blackburn predicts an increase in Democratic support for legislation safeguarding female athletes from transgender competitors.

Blackburn predicts an increase in Democratic support for legislation safeguarding female athletes from transgender competitors.

sports
Ichiro Suzuki falls short of unanimous Hall of Fame status, sparking outrage on social media: "Moronic"

Ichiro Suzuki falls short of unanimous Hall of Fame status, sparking outrage on social media: "Moronic"

sports
NFL analyst Chris Simms believes Lamar Jackson's pass to Mark Andrews during a two-point try was not precise.

NFL analyst Chris Simms believes Lamar Jackson's pass to Mark Andrews during a two-point try was not precise.

sports