Dana Dimel, an American college football coach and player, lost his life in his sleep at the age of 62 on December 3, 2024.
His wife, Julie Josephson, and two children, Winston and Josey, survive him.
Highlights
- Dana Dimel and his wife, Julie Josephson, were married on August 8, 1999, and have been together for over 25 years.
- His family announced his demise news but didn’t disclose the actual cause of his death.
- Winston walked in his father’s footsteps and pursued a football career.
Dana August Dimel played high school football at Upper Arlington High School and was named First Team All-Central Ohio League a defensive lineman in 1980.
He attended Kansas State University, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association named him All-American. In the 1980s, he was named to the Kansas State all-decade team.
Minnesota Vikings signed him as a free agent in June 1987 but released him in August. Afterward, he began coaching at Kansas State under legendary football coach Bill Snyder in 1987.
Dana was the youngest head coach in the University of Wyoming Division I-A and joined the University of Houston in 2000.
Moreover, he had coached at the University of Arizona, UTEP Miners football, and Illinois Fighting Illini football.
Dana Dimel And His Wife Were Together For 25 Years
Dana Dimel and Julie Josephson Dimel married on August 8, 1999, and shared a blissful life. The married couple has a son and a daughter.
They haven’t disclosed the details of their marriage or how they met, maintaining a borderline between their personal and professional lives.
Congrats to UTEP Head Football coach Dana Dimel and his wife on the purchase of their home and thank you for allowing us once again to be a part of your transaction! We are long-time supporters of UTEP Athletics and look forward to the start of the season! GO MINERS!! 🤙🏼 pic.twitter.com/tLiZhiDAmi
— Lone Star Title EP (@LoneStarTitle) June 1, 2018
Julie is originally from New Hampton, Iowa, but moved in with Dana in El Paso, Texas.
She has been a dependable partner throughout his extensive coaching career, supporting him in several institutions.
Dana meant everything to her, and she was devastated to see her husband lying lifeless in his sleep. The coach’s friends and family have poured their heartfelt tribute upon hearing about the tragic loss.
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.
Bill Snyder
Dana’s family announced his death but didn’t disclose the cause. He was an exceptional human being, husband, father, friend, and football coach.
During his thirty-year coaching career, he affected the lives of countless players, coaches, and staff members. His parents and family have played a significant role in his successful career as a coach.
Dana Dimel’s Two Children, Winston and Josey
Dana Dimel was the most positive person who loved his wife and adored his children.
His son, Winston Dimel, followed his father’s footsteps and pursued a football career, whereas his daughter, Josey, chose a distinct path as a sales agent.
Josey graduated from the California Polytechnic State University and became an Equestrian Sales Agent. She serves as a marketing communications specialist at Riding Warehouse.
She is romantically engaged with D.J. Stoneburner and resides in Paso Robles, California.
On the other hand, Winston played football at Kansas State. At the end of the 2014 season, he earned First-team All-Big 12 (Coaches) and First-team Academic All-Big 12.
He was transferred to UTEP, where his father was a head coach. Although he played only one season with the team, he was named to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Unfortunately, he was undrafted in 2019, and the Seattle Seahawks signed him on May 3, 2019.
Later, he joined the Los Angeles Wildcats on February 25, 2020, but his contract was terminated on April 10 due to the league suspended operations.
The Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League (USFL) drafted him on March 10, 2022.
Additional Information
- Dana Dimel was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 9, 1962.
- His Kansas State team won the Big 12 in 2012 and earned a trip to the Fiesta Bowl.
- He joined UTEP in December 2017 but was fired following the 2023 season.
- From his successful career coaching college football, he earned an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million.
