Bret Arnold Bielema (/ ˈ b iː l ə m ɑː /; born January 13, 1970) is an American football coach. He is the head football coach at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a position he has held since the 2021 season.

Bielema, who signed a six-year agreement in 2022 that will keep him at Illinois through 2028, has elevated Illinois to new heights during his first four seasons with 28 wins, 18 Big Ten victories, and a victory in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to give Illinois its fifth 10-win season in program history.

Oct 25, 2024 · Bret Bielema is the first Illinois coach since the late 1980s with a winning record. We shouldn't be surprised what he's doing in the Big Ten after what he accomplished at Wisconsin.

Oct 30, 2024 · Although Bielema, whose Illinois record sits at 24-20 entering Illinois' ninth game against Minnesota Saturday (noon ET, FS1), has yet to comment on Dodd's outlook, he took a minute...

Jan 1, 2025 · Illinois football coach Bret Bielema met with the media following the Fighting Illini's 21-17 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl. Here is the full transcript of what the Illinois coach had to say in the news conference, starting with his opening statement:

Dec 30, 2020 · Bret Bielema's inimitable work ethic, dedication and desire gave him the opportunity to return "home" to become the head football coach for Illinois.

Feb 12, 2021 · Bielema grew up in the state of Illinois and takes over the Fighting Illini in his third head coaching job, influenced by Hall of Famers.

Jun 6, 2023 · There’s Illinois native Bret Bielema, who played at Iowa and coached at Wisconsin and is trying to shift the Illini from occasional winners to consistent contenders.

Dec 20, 2022 · Illinois coach Bret Bielema has signed a new six-year contract that will pay him $6 million per year, the team announced Tuesday. Here’s what you should know:

Jan 26, 2025 · Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema celebrates a 50-49 win over the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium.