Illinois announces death of assistant coach Dana Dimel at 62

Illinois assistant Dana Dimel has died at the age of 62, the university announced on Tuesday. The 35-year coaching veteran was most recently the Senior Offensive Assistant at Illinois in 2024. He helped the Illini to a 9-3 record.

Dana Dimel was previously the head coach at Wyoming, Houston and UTEP. He was also an assistant at Kansas State and Arizona.

“Today is a difficult day for college football and our Illini famILLy,” Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. “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.”

Dana Dimel played college football at Kansas State, before playing for a season with the Minnesota Vikings. He then got into coaching, starting his coaching career at Kansas State.

Pete Roussel, who was the agent for Dimel, released a statement after his passing:

“Dana Dimel passed in his sleep this morning. His passing is gut-wrenching. Dana was my first client over a decade ago and the single most enjoyable client to be with after a win. Some of the games he called at K-State were remarkable and he never cared about receiving individual credit.

“Dana loved his wife. He absolutely adored his children. He was one of the most positive people I knew, and he was unafraid of any challenge. He had an incredible zest for life, one that would make those around him smile time and time again. I will miss Dana more than words can express.”

It is clear that Dana Dimel touched a lot of people during his life, including during his long and impressive coaching career.