University Of Illinois Hires Illinois Native Bret Bielema As Head Coach (Coach Big Pete Reaction)
The University of Illinois has named Prophetstown native Bret Bielema as the 26th Fighting Illini Head Football Coach in the 132-year history of the program. (COACH BIG PETE REACTION VIDEO ON BOTTOM)
“Illinois and the Big Ten is home for me, and I can’t be any more excited about the opportunity in front of me with the Fighting Illini,” Bielema said. “We want to build a program that makes Illini Nation proud and regain the passion that I’ve seen when Illinois wins. We want the young men playing football in the state of Illinois from Freeport to Cairo and from Quincy to Danville dreaming of wearing the Orange and Blue and playing at Memorial Stadium. I look forward to re-connecting with the high school coaches around the state making it clear we intend to keep our players home. - Press Release University Of Illinois
Bret Bielema- NEW HEAD COACH OF ILLINOIS- Career
From The Hayden Fry Coaching Tree
Played At Iowa DL 1989-1992
Played For Milwuakee Mustangs (Arena Football)
Iowa (1994–1995) Graduate assistant
Iowa (1996–2001) Linebackers coach
Kansas State (2002–2003) Co-Defensive coordinator
Wisconsin (2004–2005) Defensive coordinator
Wisconsin (2006–2012) Head coach
Arkansas (2013–2017) Head coach
New England Patriots (2018) Consultant to the head coach
New England Patriots (2019) Defensive line coach
New York Giants (2020) Outside linebackers coach & senior defensive assistant
Illinois (2020–present) Head coach