Illinois announced on Tuesday that offensive assistant Dana Dimel passed away in his sleep at the age of 62. Dimel coached in the college game for 35 years, and he was hired by Bret Bielema this past season as a Senior Offensive Analyst.

While Dimel made a positive impact on an Illinois offense that helped lead the team to a 9-3 season, Bielema said i in a statement that it was his positive energy that made a lasting impact on the program.

“Today is a difficult day for college football and our Illini famILLy,” said head coach Bielema said in a statement. “Dana was an exceptional person, husband, father, friend, and football coach. He affected the lives of countless coaches, players, and staff members for more than three decades in college football. His influence on our program was incredible to witness and be a part of. His infectious positive energy had a major impact on me, our players, and everyone in our building every day. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.”

Dimel played his collegiate career at K-State from 1984-1986, where he was an All-American as an offensive tackle. He had 3 coaching stints at K-State and 3 different coaching stints under legendary coach Bill Snyder.

Like Bielema, Snyder put out a statement about his friend and former assistant.

“Obviously, we are very saddened by the passing of Dana,” Snyder said. “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.“

Dimel also had head coaching stints at Wyoming, Houston and UTEP. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.