Dana Dimel is going to Illinois.
The former UTEP football coach, let go after last season, is taking a job as Illinois’ senior offensive assistant. Dimel was UTEP’s head coach from 2018-23 and led the team to the New Mexico Bowl in 2021 before back-to-back losing seasons led to a coaching change for Scotty Walden.
“We are very excited to bring Dana and her long history of experiences throughout her career to Illinois,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. “He will be a great voice and another experienced coach on our team.”
“My family and I are excited to join Coach Bielema,” Dimel said. “He is an excellent football coach and leader and I have always admired the way his teams play. We can’t wait to begin working with the talented team to help the program and players achieve high levels of success.”
Illinois is coming off a 5-7 season when it played in a bowl game in the final week of the regular season.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared in the El Paso Times: Dana Dimel becomes senior offensive assistant at Illinois