Former Kansas State Wildcats football coach Dana Dimel dies at age 62
Dana Dimel, a longtime college football coach who spent 20 years working at Kansas State under Bill Snyder, died in his sleep on Tuesday at the age of 62.
Dimel is perhaps best known as a head coach, as he led football programs at Wyoming (1997-99), Houston (2000-02) and UTEP (2018-23). But he was strongly connected to K-State as an offensive coordinator.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in Manhattan during the 1987-88 season and remained on staff as an assistant coach until 1996, when he left to become a head coach for the first time. Dimel returned to K-State for one season in 2005 and then called plays for the legendary Snyder from 2009 to 2017.
The Wildcats enjoyed many successful seasons during his final stint in Manhattan. K-State played in eight bowl games during that time and won a Big 12 championship in 2012. Dimel oversaw offenses that were captained by Collin Klein, Jake Waters and Jesse Ertz.
His son, Winston, was also an all-conference fullback for the Wildcats.
“Obviously, we are very saddened by the passing of Dana,” Snyder said in a statement. “He was a special friend and coaching companion. I admired his passion for helping his players and fellow coaches. He was a big part of the development of the Kansas State football program, and along with his wife Julie, very meaningful in the Manhattan community.”
Overall, Dimel was a part of 12 bowl teams during his many seasons at K-State.
The Wildcats posted an 11-win season (2012), two 10-win campaigns (1995, 2011) and five nine-win seasons (1993, 1994, 1996, 2014, 2016) with Dimel on the coaching staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dimel family during this difficult time,” K-State head coach Chris Klieman said. “Dana not only had a big impact on K-State Football but more importantly the lives of the players, coaches and staff he interacted with daily — some of which are still in our program today.”
Dimel spent this past season working at Illinois as an assistant coach.
He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.
This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 12:59 PM with the headline "Former Kansas State Wildcats football coach Dana Dimel dies at age 62."