CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois Assistant Coach Dana Dimel has died at the age of 62.
The long-time college football coach and former Kansas State All-American offensive tackle died Tuesday, his family announced. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey, Illinois Athletics said.
Dimel served as head coach at Wyoming (1997-99), Houston (2000-02), and UTEP (2018-13). He most recently helped Illinois to a 9-3 record in 2024 as the program's Senior Offensive Assistant.
"Today is a difficult day for college football and our Illini family," said Head Coach Bret Bielema. "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."
Illinois Athletics said in a statement Dimel was a part of 12 bowl teams during 19 seasons in Manhattan.
Dimel was a native of Columbus, Ohio.
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.
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