The son of a high school coach, Steele participated in football and wrestling at Autauga County High School in Prattville, Alabama, where he lettered three years in both sports. He played as an offensive guard and a defensive tackle for Autauga County High School and then walked on as an offensive lineman for the University of South Carolina.
Steele earned a B.S. degree in physical education from South Carolina in 1976 and an M.A. degree in physical education from Ball State University in 1978.
Steele served East Carolina University as its recruiting coordinator for three years (1991–1993) and was promoted to assistant head coach for his last season (1994). He worked six seasons at ECU (1989–1994), coaching the wide receivers and helping the Pirates to the 1992 Peach Bowl and the 1994 Liberty Bowl.
On June 15, 2006, Steele became the head coach at Campbell University, restarting the school's football program after a hiatus dating back to 1950. Upon taking the position at Campbell University, Steele said, "It's a dream come true for my family and me and a tremendous opportunity...As a family, we are so excited that we have been given this opportunity to be a part of a special time in the history of Campbell University with the reinstatement of football after a 56-year absence. We are very thankful to Dr. Wallace, Stan Williamson and the Campbell family for selecting us to come to Buies Creek during such an exciting time in the university's history."[1] Steele was fired as the head coach at Campbell on November 5, 2012.[2]
Personal life
Steele and his wife, the former Pam Kilpatrick, have two daughters, Meghan and Kelsey.
^"Dale Steele". GoCamels.com—Official Web site of Campbell University Athletics. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
