Bret Arnold Bielema (/ ˈbiːləmɑː /; 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.

Dec 10, 2012 · When Bret Bielema announced on Dec. 5 that he was leaving Wisconsin for Arkansas, it came as a shock to most of the college football world. Why would a man who has taken his team to two...

Oct 21, 2023 · Bielema left Wisconsin for Arkansas in 2012, prior to the Badgers' impending appearance in the Rose Bowl. It was the Badgers' third straight Rose Bowl appearance, all of which they lost.

Dec 4, 2012 · College football fans and media members (particularly those with Big Ten leanings) were largely shocked Tuesday when Bret Bielema left Wisconsin after seven years to become the head coach at...

Dec 5, 2012 · FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Bret Bielema is taking his brand of power football to Arkansas, leaving Wisconsin after seven seasons. Arkansas released a statement Tuesday night saying Bielema has agreed to a deal to take over the program reeling following the firing of former coach Bobby Petrino.

Dec 4, 2012 · FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Bret Bielema is taking his brand of power football to Arkansas, leaving Wisconsin after seven seasons. Arkansas released a statement Tuesday night saying Bielema has agreed to...

From 2006-12 Bielema was the head coach at Wisconsin, where he led the Badgers to three straight Big Ten championships (2010-12), six consecutive bowl games, and a 68-24 record (.739). Bielema then spent five seasons as head coach at Arkansas from 2013-17.

Jan 26, 2025 · Illinois coach Bret Bielema said he was in contact with former Wisconsin coaches Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard during the recent winter transfer window. Meeting with the media on Sunday, Bielema elaborated on his pursuit of three key former Wisconsin transfers: defensive linemen James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal, and outside linebacker Leon Lowery.

Sep 28, 2022 · Bret Bielema acknowledged he knew this day was coming. From the moment he accepted the job to be the next Illinois football coach, he understood the road through the Big Ten West eventually...

Dec 28, 2024 · Bret Bielema and his team have landed three transfers from Wisconsin who will help to fill key roles on the defensive side of the ball - linemen James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal, plus outside...