EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Former UTEP football head coach Dana Dimel has died at the age of 62, his agent Pete Roussel said. Roussel says Dimel died in his sleep Tuesday morning, Dec. 3, saying his death 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 miss Dana more than words can express," Roussel said. Dimel coached the UTEP football team from 2018 through 2023. He then moved on to be the assistant coach at the University of Illinois this year. Dimel went 20-49 over six seasons at UTEP. A highlight came in 2021 when Dimel led the Miners to a 7-6 record and New Mexico Bowl appearance. His teams produced a total of 23 All-Conference USA selections, including current NFL players Jacob Cowing from the San Francisco 49ers, Elijah Klein from the Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Tyrice Knight from the Seattle Seahawks and Andrew Meyer from the Miami Dolphins, according to UTEP. “I am saddened to learn of coach Dimel’s passing,” UTEP Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter said.  “He has been a builder of football programs, a mentor of young men, and has touched many lives.  He had a distinguished football coaching career, and his hard work was appreciated by his peers and the fans at Kansas State, Wyoming, Houston, Arizona, UTEP and Illinois.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Julie, Winston, Josey and the Dimel family.” Dimel was a long-time assistant coach at Kansas State University under legendary head coach Bill Snyder. He also served as head coach at Wyoming and Houston. Overall, he compiled 50 victories throughout his career as a head coach. "Dimel also had a prolific run as the offensive coordinator at Kansas State in the mid-1990’s, and again from 2009-17 before making his way to El Paso," UTEP said. The University of Illinois also released a statement on their social media, stating that Dimel "impacted countless student-athletes and people through his football journey and the Illinois family was lucky to have him on our staff. Our love and thoughts are with his family." Dimel is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.  Winston was a fullback for the Miners during the 2018 season, according to UTEP.