Longtime Wildcat Football Coach Dana Dimel Passes Away
Image courtesy of Kansas State University Athletics
MANHATTAN, Kan. (Kansas State University Athletics) – Dana Dimel, who spent 20 years as a part of Bill Snyder’s K-State coaching staff, passed away Tuesday at the age of 62, his family announced. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.
Dimel, who spent the 2024 season on former Wildcat assistant Bret Bielema’s staff at Illinois, served three stints on Snyder’s staff at K-State following an All-America playing career as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats from 1984-86.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in Manhattan in 1987-88 leading into eight seasons (1989-96) as an assistant coach. He returned to K-State for one season in 2005 and then returned to K-State for the third time and spent nine seasons (2009-17) as the program’s offensive coordinator and running backs/tight ends coach.
Overall Dimel was a part of 12 bowl teams during 19 seasons in Manhattan. The Wildcats posted an 11-win season (2012) with a Big 12 Championship, two 10-win campaigns (1995 and 2011) and five nine-win seasons (1993, 1994, 1996, 2014, and 2016) during that span, and finished in the top-25 of the BCS and CFP rankings on three occasions – 2011 (No. 8 BCS), 2012 (No. 5 BCS), and 2014 (No. 11 CFP).
Dimel, a Columbus, Ohio, native, compiled the most wins of any active offensive coordinator in college football from 2011-17 (61) and was a part of eight straight bowl appearances. Overall, in his 32 seasons as a head or assistant coach, Dimel mentored 37 players who went on to play in the NFL.
In addition to his time at K-State, Dimel had successful head coaching stops at Wyoming (1997-1999), Houston (2000-2002) and UTEP (2018-2023).
Bill Snyder
“Obviously, we are very saddened by the passing of Dana. 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.”
Head Coach Chris Klieman
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dimel family during this difficult time. 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.”
