The world of college football mourns the loss of Dana Dimel, a seasoned coach who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Tuesday at the age of 62. Dimel's death was confirmed by the University of Illinois football program, where he was serving as a senior offensive assistant. His agent, Pete Roussel, also shared the news.

Dimel's coaching career spanned several decades and included head coaching positions at UTEP, Wyoming, and Houston. Prior to his role at Illinois, he spent six seasons leading the Miners at UTEP. He also held the head coaching position at Wyoming in the late 1990s and at the University of Houston from 2000-2002.

Dimel's playing career saw him achieve All-American honors as an offensive lineman at Kansas State. He later transitioned to coaching, serving in various assistant roles under legendary Kansas State coach Bill Snyder before becoming the Wildcats' offensive coordinator in 1995. He returned to Kansas State in 2009, resuming his role as offensive coordinator, and remained there until 2017. His overall tenure with the Wildcats spanned 20 seasons, during which the team participated in 12 bowl games and secured the Big 12 championship in 2012.

Bill Snyder expressed his deep sorrow upon hearing of Dimel's passing, remembering him as a valued friend and coaching colleague. Snyder acknowledged Dimel's dedication to his players and fellow coaches and highlighted his significant contribution to the Kansas State football program and the Manhattan community.

Dimel's head coaching record at the FBS level was 50-88. He joined the Illinois football program as a senior offensive assistant in July. Illinois coach Bret Bielema emphasized Dimel's profound impact on both the Illinois program and the wider college football landscape, noting his positive influence on players, coaches, and staff. Bielema expressed the program's deep sense of loss.