ByIllinois Assistant Dana Dimel, Longtime College Coach, Dies
The college football world is mourning the loss of Dana Dimel, a longtime assistant coach who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer.
Dimel spent 44 years in the coaching ranks, including the last six at the University of Illinois as the running backs coach. He was a respected figure in the game, known for his dedication to his players and his commitment to excellence.
A Life Dedicated to Football
Dimel was born in Winner, South Dakota, and grew up playing football. He went on to play college football at the University of Wyoming and then began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater in 1978.
Dimel's coaching resume includes stints at Kansas State, Kansas, Arizona State, and Wyoming before he joined the University of Houston in 1994. He spent 16 seasons with the Cougars, serving as both the offensive coordinator and the running backs coach.
A Lasting Legacy
Dimel was a successful coach, helping lead his teams to numerous bowl appearances and conference championships. He was also a mentor to many players who went on to have successful NFL careers, including Case Keenum, Kevin Hogan, and Greg Ward Jr.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Dimel was known for his positive attitude and his unwavering commitment to his players. He was a respected figure in the coaching community and will be remembered for his contributions to the game.
Tributes Pour In
News of Dimel's death was met with an outpouring of grief from the college football community. Many of his former players and colleagues took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of him.
Tom Herman, former University of Texas head coach: "Dana Dimel was one of the finest men I've ever known. He was a great coach, a great friend, and a great father and husband. He will be dearly missed."
David Shaw, Stanford University head coach: "Dana Dimel was a giant of a man in every sense of the word. He was a great coach, but more importantly, he was a great person. I am honored to have known him, and I will miss him dearly."
A Final Salute
The University of Illinois will hold a memorial service for Dana Dimel on Friday, March 3rd, at the State Farm Center. The service will be open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.
Dana Dimel's legacy will live on through the many players he coached and the countless lives he touched. He was a true champion, on and off the field.
Additional Information
| Year | School | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1978-1983 | University of Wyoming | Graduate Assistant |
| 1984-1987 | Kansas State University | Running Backs Coach |
| 1988-1990 | University of Kansas | Running Backs Coach |
| 1991-1993 | Arizona State University | Running Backs Coach |
| 1994-2009 | University of Houston | Running Backs Coach / Offensive Coordinator |
| 2013-2017 | University of Kansas | Offensive Coordinator |
| 2018-2023 | University of Illinois | Running Backs Coach |