report
Bret Bielema coaching with heavy heart after death of father
Bielema is coaching with a heavy heart after his father's death.
KWQC1d ago
Illinois · Big Ten
Bret Bielema
Head Coach
40
SAFEHEATING UP- Overall Record
- 3-3
- Conference Record
- 1-2
- Buyout
- N/A
- Recruiting Rank
- N/A
- Hired
- Dec 19, 2020
Upset loss stings.
Bret Bielema's squad fell 17-24 at home to Purdue as the favorite. Provisional game-reaction bump pending review.
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Score History
Media Buzz (14 days)
Coaching News Wire
reportWatch: Illini head coach Bret Bielema postgame Michigan State presser
IlliniGuys.comOct 11, 2026
reportWatch: Illini head coach Bret Bielema pregame Michigan State presser - Oct. 5th
IlliniGuys.comOct 5, 2026
reportBret Bielema yearns for a break that Illinois football doesn't have the talent to fulfill
Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026
reportIllinois football likely landing in comfort zone, as Bret Bielema tight-lipped about defensive scheme
Yahoo SportsSep 29, 2026
- report1d ago
Bret Bielema Offers Illinois Football Injury Update: Two Illini Out for the Year
Bielema updates on two Illinois players out for the year.
Sports Illustrated
- report2d ago
Bret Bielema Announces His Father, Arnie, Died Sunday
Bret Bielema's father, Arnie, passed away.
The Spun
- report3d ago
Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Explains Why Beating Oregon Was Personal
Bielema shares personal insights on beating Oregon.
Sports Illustrated
- reportOct 19, 2026
Illinois coach Bret Bielema backs proposed 24-team College Football Playoff
Bielema supports the new 24-team playoff format.
On3
- analysisOct 4, 2026
A 'shock' and 'very unique week' doesn't spark Illini defense in disappointing loss to Purdue
Illini's defense struggles in loss to Purdue.
247Sports
- analysisSep 29, 2026
Bielema Keeps Illinois’ Defensive Plans Quiet Ahead of Purdue
Bielema keeps Illinois' strategies under wraps ahead of Purdue game.
Yahoo Sports
- analysisSep 28, 2026
Bret Bielema begins Illinois defense reset after Bobby Hauck’s departure
Bielema starts defense reset after departure.
On3
- reportSep 28, 2026
Bret Bielema Reveals How Bobby Hauck's Illinois Exit Unfolded
Bret Bielema details Bobby Hauck's exit from Illinois.
Sports Illustrated
reportBret Bielema Offers Encouraging Illinois Injury Update Ahead of Purdue
Sports IllustratedSep 28, 2026
reportJeremiah Smith's dominating performance got an Illinois coach fired
Scarlet and GameSep 28, 2026- reportSep 28, 2026
“Idiotic HC Needs to Get Fired”: Fans Don’t Hold Back as Illinois Parts Ways With Coach Even as Bret Bielema Survives
Fans call for firing after Illinois parts ways with coach.
Yahoo Sports
confirmedMontana’s Hauck Out At University Of Illinois
billingsmix.comSep 28, 2026- reportSep 28, 2026
Sacked: Illinois football parts ways with defensive coordinator as unit ranks No. 101 in NCAA
Illinois fires defensive coordinator after ranking No. 101.
Peoria Journal Star
analysisBret Bielema loses the Bobby Hauck shield for a pitiful Illinois football defense
Yahoo SportsSep 27, 2026
confirmedIllinois defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck out after 4 games
ESPNSep 27, 2026