From 1997 to 1999, he coached at the University of Wyoming, and compiled a 22–13 record. At the time he became head coach, he was the youngest head coach in Division I-A. Based on the strength of that coaching job, he became the head coach at the University of Houston. From 2000 to 2002, while Dimel was head coach, the team compiled an 8–26 record. This includes the first winless season in school history, when Dimel led the team to a dismal 0–11 record. However, Dimel recruited many of the players that fueled UH's resurgence under Art Briles. Many of them got a chance to play fairly quickly, since Dimel's teams were frequently out of games early.