Dennis Vilela begins his seventh year as an assistant coach in the Pittsburg State University baseball program in 2026. He serves as the program’s catchers coach and provides hitting instruction.
Vilela joined the Gorillas staff after serving as an assistant coach at MIAA rival Missouri Southern for 10 years.
Prior to his time at MSSU, Vilela served as an assistant coach for three seasons at Labette Community College. He also served as a high school head coach for 10 years at Climax Springs (Mo.) High School and Columbus Unified High School. Vilela also has been an associate scout with the Boston Red Sox.
A native of Tulsa, Okla., Vilela played collegiately for two seasons for the Gorillas in 1991-92, the program’s first two years after an 18-year hiatus. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Pitt State in 1994 and a master's degree in school administration from the school in 2005.
Dennis and his wife Krista live in Columbus with their three children: Tanner, Emma and Jack.
