Dalton began coaching in 1958 as Trinidad State Junior College's head coach. In 1961 he became head coach of Western State College. He had a 33-12 record at WSC and in 1964 led the Mountaineers to the Mineral Bowl. In his five seasons as coach he led WSC to four Rocky Mountain Conference championships. In 1972 he returned to college football as Offensive Coordinator of the Colorado Buffaloes.