Houston Hires Coach, Again

December 12, 1999 / 5:18 AM EST / CBS/AP

Houston (AP) Dana Dimel, Wyoming's football coach the last three seasons, was hired Sunday as Houston's coach.

"I had always aspired to be the head coach of a school in (Texas)," Dimel said Sunday. "Now I have my chance."

Dimel, 37, was 23-12 at Wyoming, including a 7-4 record this season. The former Kansas State lineman joined the Cowboys in 1996 after eight seasons as an assistant at his alma mater.

"Dana has a clear vision for the future of the program and an intelligence for football," Houston athletic director Chet Gladchuk said. "His record speaks for itself."

Kim Helton was fired as Houston's coach last month with two years left on his contract. The Cougars were 7-4 this season and 24-53-1 in seven seasons under Helton.

Houston had apparently finished its search for a coach last week when it approached Marshall's Bob Pruett, but he withdrew from consideration Friday night.

"I think it's best for everybody that we leave it that Houston is a great school and a great opportunity," Pruett said. "I wish them well."