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.

Bret Bielema was named as the 26th Fighting Illini Head Football Coach in the history of the program in December 2020. A native of Prophetstown, Illinois, Bielema has 30 years of collegiate and NFL coaching experience and compiled a 15-year record of 115-77 (.599) as head coach at Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Dec 28, 2024 · Bret Bielema, who replaced former coach Lovie Smith before the 2021 season began, has transformed his Illinois football program into a consistent winner. Illinois has met or exceeded the...

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...

Dec 20, 2022 · Illinois coach Bret Bielema, who this season guided the team to its highest wins total since 2007, has agreed to a new contract through the 2028 season.

Sep 18, 2024 · Illinois coach Bret Bielema has not had an ordinary journey in his head coaching career. He got his first opportunity to lead a college football program when he was promoted from defensive...

Mar 12, 2025 · Jul 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Feb 17, 2025 · FAYETTEVILLE — When he was hired as head football coach at Illinois in December 2020, Bret Bielema once again started from scratch. Three years removed from being fired at Arkansas and...

Mar 15, 2025 · Illinois football coach Bret Bielema is ranked the No. 24 best coach in the nation by The Athletic. ... Bielema made the cut at No. 24, one of seven from the Big Ten included. He joined Ohio State ...