Bret Bielema

{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1970)}}

{{Infobox college coach

| name = Bret Bielema

| image = Bielema-2021-Illinois.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Bielema in 2021

| current_title = Head coach

| current_team = Illinois

| current_conference = Big Ten

| current_record = 28–22

| contract = $7.7 million

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|1|13}}

| birth_place = Silvis, Illinois, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| alma_mater =

| player_years1 = 1989–1992

| player_team1 = Iowa

| player_positions = Nose guard

| coach_years1 = 1994–1995

| coach_team1 = Iowa (GA)

| player_years2 = 1994

| player_team2 = Milwaukee Mustangs

| coach_years2 = 1996–2001

| coach_team2 = Iowa (LB)

| coach_years3 = 2002–2003

| coach_team3 = Kansas State (co-DC)

| coach_years4 = 2004–2005

| coach_team4 = Wisconsin (DC)

| coach_years5 = 2006–2012

| coach_team5 = Wisconsin

| coach_years6 = 2013–2017

| coach_team6 = Arkansas

| coach_years7 = 2018

| coach_team7 = New England Patriots (consultant to HC)

| coach_years8 = 2019

| coach_team8 = New England Patriots (DL)

| coach_years9 = 2020

| coach_team9 = New York Giants (OLB)

| coach_years10 = 2021–present

| coach_team10 = Illinois

| overall_record = 125–80

| bowl_record = 5–6

| tournament_record =

| championships = 3 Big Ten (2010–2012)
1 Big Ten Leaders Division (2011)
Super Bowl champion (LIII)

| awards = Big Ten Coach of the Year (2006)

| coaching_records =

}}

Bret Arnold Bielema ({{IPAc-en|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 served as the head football coach at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 2006 to 2012, achieving a 68–24 record and taking them to three straight Rose Bowl Games, although they lost each time. He was the head football coach at University of Arkansas from 2013 to 2017, tallying a mark of 29–34. Bielema was an assistant coach in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons, in 2018 and 2019 with the New England Patriots and in 2020 with the New York Giants.

Playing career

Bielema attended Prophetstown High School in Prophetstown, Illinois.{{Cite web |last=Beherns |first=Bret |date=January 16, 2023 |title=Bret Bielema's hometown roots still strong long after Illinois football coach left Prophetstown |url=https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/bret-bielemas-hometown-roots-still-strong-long-after-illinois-football-coach-left-prophetstown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302213258/https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/bret-bielemas-hometown-roots-still-strong-long-after-illinois-football-coach-left-prophetstown/ |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=WCIA.com |language=en-US}} He played tight end and linebacker in high school. Bielema walked on as a defensive lineman at the University of Iowa under coach Hayden Fry, playing from 1989 to 1992.{{Cite web |last=Harty |first=Pat |date=October 7, 2022 |title=A look at Bret Bielema's incredible journey from Iowa walk-on to Illinois head coach |url=https://hawkfanatic.com/2022/10/07/a-look-at-bret-bielemas-incredible-journey-from-iowa-walk-on-to-illinois-head-coach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309212730/https://hawkfanatic.com/2022/10/07/a-look-at-bret-bielemas-incredible-journey-from-iowa-walk-on-to-illinois-head-coach/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Hawk Fanatic |language=en-US}} Bielema lettered four years, earned a scholarship and served as team captain his senior season.{{Cite web |last=Harper |first=Doc |date=December 20, 2013 |title=Bielema's Walk-On Philosophy & Rebuilding The Hogs |url=https://www.arkansasfight.com/2013/12/20/5228794/bret-bielemas-philosophy-on-walk-ons-highlighted-in-wisconsin-article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309212600/https://www.arkansasfight.com/2013/12/20/5228794/bret-bielemas-philosophy-on-walk-ons-highlighted-in-wisconsin-article |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Arkansas Fight |language=en}} Bielema was part of the 1990 Iowa team that won a share of the Big Ten title.{{Cite web |title=1990 Big Ten Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-ten/1990.html |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

In his senior season, after Iowa beat Iowa State 21–7, Bielema approached Iowa State head coach Jim Walden for a post-game handshake and said "You’re a big prick. It’s been a pleasure kicking your ass the last five years" (Iowa State had never beaten Iowa during Bielema's tenure with the team). The moment caused considerable stir, with University of Iowa officials reprimanding Bielema and sending an official letter of apology to Walden.{{Cite web |last=Morehouse |first=Marc |date=November 13, 2008 |title=Badgers, Gophers grinding the axe |url=https://marcmwm.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/youre-a-bleep-and-its-been-a-pleasure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831224246/https://marcmwm.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/youre-a-bleep-and-its-been-a-pleasure/ |archive-date=August 31, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Wordpress}} Bielema graduated from Iowa with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

After going undrafted in the 1993 NFL draft, Bielema signed as a free agent with the Seattle Seahawks, but was cut during the summer.{{Cite web |title=2021 Illinois Football Record Book (PDF) |url=https://fightingillini.com/documents/2021/8/19/2021_Record_Book.pdf?id=33598 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614214311/https://fightingillini.com/documents/2021/8/19//2021_Record_Book.pdf?id=33598 |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=University of Illinois Athletics |language=en}} In 1994 he played for the Milwaukee Mustangs, a team in the Arena Football League.{{Cite web |last=Mogallapalli |first=Manjesh |date=August 9, 2021 |title=Bielema's Journey to Illinois |url=https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2021/8/9/22615758/bielemas-before-illinois-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-brandon-peters-wisconsin-badgers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302213359/https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2021/8/9/22615758/bielemas-before-illinois-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-brandon-peters-wisconsin-badgers |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=The Champaign Room |language=en}}

Coaching career

=Assistant coach=

==Iowa==

Bielema returned to Iowa in 1994 to begin his coaching career under Fry as a graduate assistant.{{Cite web |last=Kimball |first=Anderson |date=July 29, 2022 |title=How a handwritten note helped Bret Bielema's career take off |url=https://pantagraph.com/sports/college/illini/how-a-handwritten-note-helped-bret-bielemas-career-take-off/article_dca9e1e8-0eb1-11ed-b117-0fa0c1adb8d5.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309212855/https://pantagraph.com/sports/college/illini/how-a-handwritten-note-helped-bret-bielemas-career-take-off/article_dca9e1e8-0eb1-11ed-b117-0fa0c1adb8d5.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pantagraph.com |language=en}} In 1996, he was promoted to linebackers coach, a role he would hold until 2001.{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Erik |date=November 19, 2022 |title=How a text from Dallas Clark convinced Bret Bielema to coach 2 days after his mom's death |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/illini/how-a-text-from-dallas-clark-convinced-bret-bielema-to-coach-2-days-after-his/article_7aaa8a3a-6300-5ccc-96bb-de74385e89b5.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309213007/https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/illini/how-a-text-from-dallas-clark-convinced-bret-bielema-to-coach-2-days-after-his/article_7aaa8a3a-6300-5ccc-96bb-de74385e89b5.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=STLtoday.com |language=en}} In 1998, Fry retired and was replaced by former Iowa offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz, who had briefly coached Bielema in offensive line sets during preparation for the 1988 Peach Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Dochterman |first=Scott |date=August 27, 2018 |title=Recounting Kirk Ferentz's hire at Iowa, 20 years later |url=https://theathletic.com/477841/2018/08/27/recounting-kirk-ferentzs-hire-at-iowa-20-years-later/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025165419/https://theathletic.com/477841/2018/08/27/recounting-kirk-ferentzs-hire-at-iowa-20-years-later/ |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=The Athletic |language=en}} Bielema, one of the leading recruiters on Fry's staff, continued on the road recruiting during the coaching search. Ferentz retained only Bielema and quarterbacks coach Chuck Long from Fry's staff.{{Cite web |last=Dochterman |first=Scott |date=August 27, 2018 |title=Recounting Kirk Ferentz's hire at Iowa, 20 years later |url=https://theathletic.com/477841/2018/08/27/recounting-kirk-ferentzs-hire-at-iowa-20-years-later/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128141922/https://theathletic.com/477841/2018/08/27/recounting-kirk-ferentzs-hire-at-iowa-20-years-later/ |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}} During his three years with Ferentz at Iowa, Bielema recruited several players, most from Florida, that would form part of the core of the 2002 Iowa team, including Heisman runner-up quarterback Brad Banks, wide receivers C. J. Jones and Maurice Brown, nose tackle Colin Cole, cornerback Antwan Allen, and linebackers Fred Barr and Abdul Hodge.{{Cite web |title=2002 Heisman Trophy Voting |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-2002.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212172656/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-2002.html |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Feldman |first=Bruce |date=October 26, 2002 |title=Banks paying dividends for Iowa |url=https://www.espn.com/ncf/s/2002/1026/1451509.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617020029/https://www.espn.com/ncf/s/2002/1026/1451509.html |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}

==Kansas State==

After the 2001 season, Bielema became co-defensive coordinator for the Kansas State Wildcats, coached by Bill Snyder, who had coached at Iowa with Fry for a decade. Bielema and Bob Elliott replaced Phil Bennett, who had left to become the head coach of the SMU Mustangs. Bielema coached the K-State defense for two seasons, helping the Wildcats win the 2003 Big XII Championship.{{Cite web |last=Robinett |first=Kellis |date=January 1, 2016 |title=Arkansas coach Bret Bielema has fond, humorous memories working for Kansas State's Bill Snyder |url=https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article52674335.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309155832/http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article52674335.html |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Kansas.com}}{{Cite web |title=2003 Big 12 Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-12/2003.html |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

= Wisconsin =

File:USMC-110218-M-8136F-001 (cropped).jpg

Bielema left Kansas State after the 2003 season to become the Wisconsin defensive coordinator under head coach Barry Alvarez, who had also coached at Iowa under Fry.{{Cite web |last=Temple |first=Jesse |date=July 23, 2021 |title=How an assist from Barry Alvarez helped Bret Bielema land the Illinois job and return to his Big Ten roots |url=https://theathletic.com/2723700/2021/07/23/how-an-assist-from-barry-alvarez-helped-bret-bielema-land-the-illinois-job-and-return-to-his-big-ten-roots/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309213436/https://theathletic.com/2723700/2021/07/23/how-an-assist-from-barry-alvarez-helped-bret-bielema-land-the-illinois-job-and-return-to-his-big-ten-roots/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}} Bielema served as defensive coordinator for two seasons. In July 2005, Alvarez announced he would retire after the 2005 season and become the Badger athletic director. Alvarez also announced he had chosen Bielema as his successor, and would take over in 2006.{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2005 |title=Alvarez to step down as Badgers coach after season, picks successor |url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2005/07/29/alvarez-to-step-down-as-badgers-coach-after-season-picks-successor/31699435007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617020029/https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2005/07/29/alvarez-to-step-down-as-badgers-coach-after-season-picks-successor/31699435007/ |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=Gainesville Sun |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}

In his first season as head coach of the Badgers in 2006, Bielema's team ended the regular season 11–1 (7–1 in Big Ten Conference play).{{Cite web |title=2006 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2006-schedule.html |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} With a 14–0 victory over San Diego State on September 16, 2006, Bielema became the third Wisconsin head coach to win the first three games of his career.{{Cite web |last=Larson |first=Kristen |date=October 25, 2017 |title=Wisconsin football: The best coaches to have led the Badgers |url=https://badgerherald.com/sports/2017/10/25/wisconsin-football-the-best-coaches-to-have-led-the-badgers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201214525/https://badgerherald.com/sports/2017/10/25/wisconsin-football-the-best-coaches-to-have-led-the-badgers/ |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=The Badger Herald}} Later, with a 24–3 win over Purdue on October 21, Bielema tied the record for most wins by a first-year coach at Wisconsin with seven. The other two coaches to complete this feat were Philip King in 1896 and William Juneau in 1912.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Badgers College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219010928/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/index.html |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} A 30–24 victory over the Fighting Illini on October 28, Bielema became the first coach in Wisconsin history to win eight games in his first season. He extended the record with his ninth victory on November 4, defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions, 13–3. With a 24–21 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 11, Bielema became the first head coach in Big Ten history to win ten games in his first season.{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2006 |title=Big Ten Notebook; Bielema quietly has superb first year |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-154581595.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113221023/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-154581595.html |archive-date=January 13, 2016 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |publisher=Minneapolis Star-Tribune |via=HighBeam Research}} With the 35–3 defeat of the University at Buffalo on November 18, 2006, Bielema became the first coach in school history to win 11 games in the regular season.{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2006 |title=UW Earns First-Ever 11-Win Regular Season |url=https://uwbadgers.com/news/2006/11/18/UW_Earns_First_Ever_11_Win_Regular_Season.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310184431/https://uwbadgers.com/news/2006/11/18/UW_Earns_First_Ever_11_Win_Regular_Season.aspx |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Wisconsin Badgers Athletics |language=en}} After a 17–14 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Capital One Bowl on January 1, 2007, he became the third coach in NCAA history to win 12 games in his rookie season, finishing 12–1.{{Cite web |title=Capital One Bowl – Wisconsin vs Arkansas Box Score, January 1, 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-01-01-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224062641/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-01-01-arkansas.html |archive-date=February 24, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year.{{Cite web |title=Big Ten Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-ten-coy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310200101/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-ten-coy.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Bielema coached Wisconsin to victories in 17 of his first 18 games. That represents the third-best start to a head coaching career in Big Ten history. Michigan's Fielding H. Yost, who went 55–0–1 from 1901 to 1905.{{Cite web |last=Hoffmeyer |first=Evan |date=December 4, 2012 |title=UPDATE: Wisconsin's Bret Bielema officially named next Head Hog |url=https://katv.com/archive/update-wisconsin-bret-bielema-officially-named-next-head-hog |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310184542/https://katv.com/archive/update-wisconsin-bret-bielema-officially-named-next-head-hog |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=KATV |language=en}} He led Wisconsin to a 5–0 start in the 2007 season. He finished with a 9–4 record and #24 ranking in the final AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=2007 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2007-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309213526/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2007-schedule.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the 2008 season, the Badgers regressed to a 7–6 record, despite a 3–0 start.{{Cite web |title=2008 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2008-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310200218/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2008-schedule.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Coming off of a disappointing 2008 campaign, Bielema helped lead the team to a 5–0 start to the 2009 season. The team finished #16 in the AP Poll with a 10–3 record, which was bookended by a 20–14 over the Miami Hurricanes in the Champs Sports Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2009 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2009-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310200338/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2009-schedule.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Champs Sports Bowl – Wisconsin vs Miami (FL) Box Score, December 29, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-29-miami-fl.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310200531/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-29-miami-fl.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

On October 16, 2010, Bielema's Badgers defeated #1-ranked Ohio State, 31–18, in Madison.{{Cite web |title=Ohio State at Wisconsin Box Score, October 16, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-16-wisconsin.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309213923/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-16-wisconsin.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} It was Wisconsin's first victory over a #1-ranked team since 1981 when the Badgers upset Michigan.{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2010 |title=Badgers knock off No. 1 Buckeyes |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/9693/badgers-knock-off-no-1-buckeyes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309214610/https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/9693/badgers-knock-off-no-1-buckeyes |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The victory against the Buckeyes would be his only one as he was 1–5 against Ohio State.{{Cite web |last=Byrnes |first=D. J. |date=September 9, 2015 |title=Bert Bielema Already Has a Reason for Why His Team Won't Make the College Football Playoff |url=https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2015/09/59185/bert-bielema-already-has-a-reason-for-why-his-team-wont-make-the-college-football-playoff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310184657/https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2015/09/59185/bert-bielema-already-has-a-reason-for-why-his-team-wont-make-the-college-football-playoff |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Eleven Warriors |language=en}} The 2010 season ended with a loss to the TCU Horned Frogs in the Rose Bowl, 21–19.{{Cite web |title=Rose Bowl – Wisconsin vs Texas Christian Box Score, January 1, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-01-01-texas-christian.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310184842/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-01-01-texas-christian.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The team finished with an 11–2 mark and a #7 ranking in the final AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=2010 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2010-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310184951/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2010-schedule.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Bielema was named a finalist for the 2010 Bear Bryant Award which is given to college football's Coach of the Year. The other finalists were Chris Ault of Nevada, Gene Chizik of Auburn, Mark Dantonio of Michigan State, Jim Harbaugh of Stanford, Chip Kelly of Oregon, Gary Patterson of TCU, Bobby Petrino of Arkansas, and Mike Sherman of Texas A&M.{{Cite web |title=Coach of the Year Finalists |url=http://www.bryantawards.com/coach-of-the-year-finalists/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220070200/http://www.bryantawards.com/coach-of-the-year-finalists/ |archive-date=December 20, 2010 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Bear Bryant Awards}}

In the 2011 season, Bielema led the team to an 11–3 record and a #10 ranking in the final AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=2011 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2011-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129203747/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2011-schedule.html |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Bielema is the only coach in Wisconsin history to lose consecutive Rose Bowls.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Badgers Bowls |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309213839/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

In the 2012 season, Bielema and the Badgers finished with 8–5 regular season record that culminated in a 70–31 victory over Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship Game.{{Cite web |title=2012 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2012-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310201027/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2012-schedule.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin vs Nebraska Box Score, December 1, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-01-nebraska.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310201045/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-01-nebraska.html |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2012 Big Ten Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-ten/2012.html |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

=Arkansas=

On December 4, 2012, it was announced that Bielema was leaving Wisconsin to become the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2012 |title=Wisconsin's Bielema hired as Arkansas coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8709694/bret-bielema-head-coach-wisconsin-badgers-accepts-position-coach-arkansas-razorbacks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412190226/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8709694/bret-bielema-head-coach-wisconsin-badgers-accepts-position-coach-arkansas-razorbacks |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Breece |first=Chris |date=December 4, 2012 |title=University To Introduce New Coach Bielema Wednesday |url=https://5newsonline.com/2012/12/04/arkansas-hires-wisconsin-coach-bret-bielma-as-new-football-coach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209040848/https://5newsonline.com/2012/12/04/arkansas-hires-wisconsin-coach-bret-bielma-as-new-football-coach/ |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=5 News Online}} He left partly to coach in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and partly because he felt that his assistant coaches were not being paid enough.{{Cite web |last=Wolfley |first=Bob |date=December 5, 2012 |title=Arkansas coach Bielema says pay for his assistants was an issue at Wisconsin |url=http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/182275441.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918025712/http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/182275441.html |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel}} Bielema replaced John L. Smith, who had coached Arkansas to a 4–8 record during the 2012 season after Bobby Petrino had been fired eight months earlier.{{Cite web |title=Arkansas Razorbacks: Bret Bielema named new head football coach |url=http://www.ozarkssportszone.com/Arkansas-Razorbacks--Bret-Bielema-named-new-head-f/14947550 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002223/http://www.ozarkssportszone.com/Arkansas-Razorbacks--Bret-Bielema-named-new-head-f/14947550 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=November 29, 2013 |website=Ozarks Sports Zone}}

Bielema's first season at Arkansas resulted in an overall record of 3–9, including 0–8 in the SEC.{{Cite web |title=2013 Southeastern Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/sec/2013.html |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Bielema inherited a roster depleted of talent and lacking in development under Coach Smith. Bielema's starting quarterback also suffered a throwing shoulder injury, which limited his ability the entire season. It was the Razorbacks' worst SEC record since entering the conference in 1992 and their first winless in-conference season since 1942, when they were a member of the Southwest Conference.{{Cite web |title=Arkansas Razorbacks Football Record By Year |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020051529/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/index.html |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=1942 Southwest Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/swc/1942.html |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Bielema's second season saw significant improvement, as Arkansas finished 7–6. Bielema won his first two SEC games in dominating fashion in November, beating #17 LSU by a score of 17–0 and #8 Ole Miss by a score of 30–0 to achieve bowl eligibility.{{Cite web |title=LSU at Arkansas Box Score, November 15, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-15-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818004810/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-15-arkansas.html |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ole Miss at Arkansas Box Score, November 22, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-22-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722123727/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-22-arkansas.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Though Arkansas lost its remaining conference game against Missouri, the Razorbacks were still the first unranked team in college football history to shut out two consecutive ranked opponents.{{Cite web |title=Arkansas at Missouri Box Score, November 28, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-28-missouri.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226155334/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-28-missouri.html |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Tom |date=November 23, 2014 |title=All zeroed in |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2014/nov/23/all-zeroed-in-20141123/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310201240/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2014/nov/23/all-zeroed-in-20141123/ |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Arkansas Online |language=en}} Bielema led Arkansas to a Texas Bowl victory in the postseason, defeating Texas handily, 31–7.{{Cite web |title=Texas Bowl – Arkansas vs Texas Box Score, December 29, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-12-29-texas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420032322/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-12-29-texas.html |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

In Bielema's third season, the team suffered the loss of returning 1,190-yard starting running back Jonathan Williams before the season. Breaking in a new offensive coordinator and adjusting to losing three NFL drafted defensive players up front, the Razorbacks got off to a slow start, losing to Toledo and Texas Tech in the non-conference and started 2–4.{{Cite web |title=Toledo vs Arkansas Box Score, September 12, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-12-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226155334/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-12-arkansas.html |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Texas A&M vs Arkansas Box Score, September 26, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-26-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226155409/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-26-arkansas.html |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Bielema then caught fire in the second half of the season, going 5–1 over the final six games, losing the one game to Mississippi State on a missed field goal.{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2015 |title=Mississippi State ekes out crazy 51–50 win over Arkansas |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/rapid-reaction-mississippi-state-beats-arkansas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021800/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/rapid-reaction-mississippi-state-beats-arkansas/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}} Bielema ended the year by defeating one of his former mentors, Bill Snyder, in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, as Arkansas dispatched Kansas State, 45–23, to finish the season with a record of 8–5.{{Cite web |title=Liberty Bowl – Kansas State vs Arkansas Box Score, January 2, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-01-02-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220194121/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-01-02-arkansas.html |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2015 Arkansas Razorbacks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/2015-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309214443/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/2015-schedule.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Bielema's fourth season was a topsy-turvy campaign that ended with two embarrassing defeats at the hands of Missouri in the regular season finale and Virginia Tech in the 2016 Belk Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2016 Arkansas Razorbacks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/2016-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309214154/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/2016-schedule.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The former saw his team blow a 17-point halftime lead and the latter was a 24-point blown halftime lead, which was the largest for Arkansas since at least 1952.{{Cite web |last=Hutchinson |first=Andrew |date=January 2, 2017 |title=The Hutch Report: Bielema's second half collapses |url=https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/Article/The-Hutch-Report-Bret-Bielemas-second-half-collapses-50211477/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021735/https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/Article/The-Hutch-Report-Bret-Bielemas-second-half-collapses-50211477/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=HawgSports.com}} Beating Missouri would have resulted in Bret Bielema improving his regular season record every year at Arkansas. The losses led to the replacement of Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith with former Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads, and other staff changes pointing to a change to a 3–4 defensive scheme.{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2017 |title=Rhoads Promoted To Defensive Coordinator |url=https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/rhoads-promoted-to-defensive-coordinator/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209040546/https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/rhoads-promoted-to-defensive-coordinator/ |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Arkansas Razorbacks}}

Bielema was the highest paid state employee in Arkansas with a salary reported at $4,200,000.{{Cite web |last=Michaels |first=Matthew |date=August 16, 2018 |title=College football and basketball coaches are the highest-paid public employees — here are the biggest paydays |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/highest-paid-public-job-every-state-college-football-basketball-2018-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030205952/https://www.businessinsider.com/highest-paid-public-job-every-state-college-football-basketball-2018-3 |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=Business Insider}}

Bielema's fifth season saw the program continue to regress, finishing 4–8 overall and going 1–7 in the SEC.{{Cite web |title=2017 Arkansas Razorbacks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/2017-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309214152/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arkansas/2017-schedule.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On November 24, 2017, Bielema was fired after five seasons as Arkansas's head coach following a 48–45 loss at home to the Missouri Tigers.{{Cite web |title=Missouri at Arkansas Box Score, November 24, 2017 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-11-24-arkansas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309214155/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-11-24-arkansas.html |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The Razorbacks twice led by 14, but lost both leads. After the game, Bielema told reporters that he had been told he was being fired while he was coming off the field.{{Cite web |last=Selig |first=Mark |date=November 24, 2017 |title=Arkansas' Bret Bielema says he was fired as he left the field following loss |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/11/24/arkansas-bret-bielema-says-he-was-fired-as-he-left-the-field-following-loss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219224926/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/11/24/arkansas-bret-bielema-says-he-was-fired-as-he-left-the-field-following-loss/ |archive-date=December 19, 2019 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} According to Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman, school officials decided to announce the firing after the game so he could have a chance to address the team one last time before they headed home for Thanksgiving. The alternative would have been learning of the firing via social media or a group text message.{{Cite tweet |number=934230215030554625 |user=BruceFeldmanCFB |title=Am told Arkansas fired Bret Bielema right after the game because his players were scattering and leaving town for the holiday weekend. And did it that way because they did not want them to hear on social media or via group text. |author=Bruce Feldman}}

=NFL assistant coach=

==New England Patriots==

Prior to the 2018 NFL season, Bielema was hired by the New England Patriots as a defensive consultant to head coach Bill Belichick.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=July 29, 2018 |title=Bret Bielema, popular among former Razorbacks and Badgers, now with Patriots |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4814157 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020345/http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4814157 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Bielema was promoted ahead of the {{NFL Year|2019}} season to defensive line coach.{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Tyler |date=May 13, 2019 |title=Bret Bielema eager to serve as Patriots defensive line coach |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/Article/Bret-Bielema-role-with-Patriots-defensive-line-coach-131995063/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021743/https://247sports.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/Article/Bret-Bielema-role-with-Patriots-defensive-line-coach-131995063/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} He won his first Super Bowl title when the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIII – Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots – February 3rd, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231138/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

==New York Giants==

On January 21, 2020, the Giants hired Bielema as their outside linebackers coach and senior assistant under Joe Judge.{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2020 |title=Giants hiring former Patriots DL coach Bret Bielema |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/giants-hiring-former-patriots-dl-coach-bret-bielema-0ap3000001098376 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222074017/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098376/article/giants-hiring-former-patriots-dl-coach-bret-bielema |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}

=Illinois=

On December 19, 2020, Bielema was announced as the next head coach at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, succeeding Lovie Smith.{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2020 |title=Bret Bielema Takes Reins of Fighting Illini Football |url=https://fightingillini.com/news/2020/12/19/bret-bielema-takes-reins-of-fighting-illini-football.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028094951/https://fightingillini.com/news/2020/12/19/bret-bielema-takes-reins-of-fighting-illini-football.aspx |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=August 6, 2021 |website=University of Illinois Athletics |language=en}} The school said Bielema would receive a six-year contract that paid $4.2 million the first year, with annual raises, based on performance and fulfilling media and other promotional obligations for the program throughout the contract.{{Cite web |last=Rittenberg |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Rittenberg |date=December 19, 2020 |title=Illinois hires Bielema to replace Smith as coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30552883/bret-bielema-named-head-coach-illinois-fighting-illini |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302214050/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30552883/bret-bielema-named-head-coach-illinois-fighting-illini |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The salary makes him the ninth-highest paid head coach among the fourteen members of the Big Ten Conference.

Bielema won his first game with the Illini against the Nebraska Cornhuskers then went on a four-game losing streak to UTSA, Virginia, Maryland and Purdue. The streak ended with a win against Charlotte, but he lost the next week to Wisconsin, his former team. Following an off week, Bielema and the Fighting Illini upset 24.5-point favorite Penn State in Happy Valley, then ranked #7 in the AP Poll. The most notable part of this outcome was its nine overtime periods, which broke the FBS record for the most overtime periods in a game.{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2021 |title=Illinois stuns No. 7 Penn State in first 9-OT game |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32459464/illinois-stuns-no-7-penn-state-ncaa-first-9-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309214059/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32459464/illinois-stuns-no-7-penn-state-ncaa-first-9-game |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} The Illini lost their next game to Rutgers before upsetting Minnesota, then ranked #20 in the College Football Playoff poll. Bielema did not travel with the team to Iowa having contracting COVID-19, and the Illini lost to the Hawkeyes with wide receivers coach George McDonald serving as acting head coach. After Bielema returned, he won his final game of the season at home against Northwestern. This marked the Illini's first win against the rival Wildcats since 2014. Bielema finished his first season at Illinois with an overall record of 5–7, and a Big Ten record of 4–5, which placed the Illini fifth in the Big Ten West Division.{{Cite web |title=2021 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2021-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302214213/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2021-schedule.html |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2021 Big Ten Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-ten/2021.html |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Bielema's second season at Illinois began with a victory over Wyoming, a disappointing loss at Indiana, followed by six consecutive victories over Virginia, Chattanooga, at Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and at Nebraska, making the Illini record 7–1. Bielema and Illinois could not maintain their win streak, dropping their next three games to Michigan State, Purdue, and at Michigan. The Illini won their eighth game of the 2022 season by beating in-state rival Northwestern in Evanston to close out the regular season with a record of 8–4.{{Cite web |title=2022 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2022-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302214154/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2022-schedule.html |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Illinois accepted an invitation to the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on January 2, against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mississippi State, inspired by the untimely death of their head coach Mike Leach, beat Illinois 19–10 in the bowl.{{Cite web |title=ReliaQuest Bowl – Mississippi State vs Illinois Box Score, January 2, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-01-02-illinois.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302213128/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-01-02-illinois.html |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} This was Illinois' first bowl game since 2019 and their first winning season since 2011.{{Cite web |title=Illinois Fighting Illini College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302213145/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/index.html |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

In the 2023 season, Bielema and the Fighting Illini finished with a 5–7 record.{{Cite web |title=2023 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2023-schedule.html |access-date=March 22, 2024 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

In the 2024 season, the Bielema-led Illini opened the season 4–0, with wins again Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, and upset victories over the No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks and No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers, being ranked No. 19 in the country. The Illini then traveled to State College for a emergency white out matchup against the No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions and lost 21–7. Following the loss, the Illini won two straight games, including a victory over the No. 24 Michigan Wolverines in the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game, celebrating 100 years since Red Grange's legendary performance against the Michigan Wolverines. The Illini then dropped a game to No. 1 Oregon in a blowout victory for the Ducks, and lost at home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a close game where quarterback Luke Altmyer fumbled the ball on a potential game-tying drive. The Illini then won three straight games, including a win at Rutgers, where wide receiver Pat Bryant scored a 40 yard touchdown on a pass from Luke Altmyer with 14 seconds left to seal the victory. The three game win streak to end the regular season was capped off by reclaiming the Land of Lincoln Trophy against the Northwestern Wildcats.{{Cite web |title=2024 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2024-schedule.html |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Illinois accepted an invitation to the 2024 Citrus Bowl against the No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks, where they emerged victorious riding a 2 touchdown performance from running back Josh McCray. The Illini finished the season with a 10–3 record, their first 10 win season since 2001 and first bowl game win since 2011.{{Cite web |title=Citrus Bowl - South Carolina vs Illinois Box Score, December 31, 2024 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2024-12-31-illinois.html |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Illinois Fighting Illini Bowls |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/bowls.html |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

In May 2025, Bielema and Illinois agreed to a new contract that would keep Bielema signed through the 2030 season with an annual salary starting at $7.7 million for the 2025 season.{{cite web|url=https://fightingillini.com/news/2025/5/13/football-bielema-agrees-to-new-six-year-contract.aspx |title=Bielema Agrees to New Six-Year Contract |date=May 13, 2025 }}

Personal life

Bielema grew up on an 80-acre hog farm near Prophetstown, Illinois with brothers Bart and Barry.{{Cite web |last=Likas |first=Colin |date=December 27, 2020 |title=From the farm to the Fighting Illini: Bielema has the backing of Prophetstown |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/from-the-farm-to-the-fighting-illini-bielema-has-the-backing-of-prophetstown/article_d5a4b25b-95d1-55bc-8c7e-29b6eae7522a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111225621/https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/from-the-farm-to-the-fighting-illini-bielema-has-the-backing-of-prophetstown/article_d5a4b25b-95d1-55bc-8c7e-29b6eae7522a.html |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=The News-Gazette |language=en}} Each of the brothers competed in football, track, and wrestling.{{Cite web |last=Doxsie |first=Don |date=April 24, 2011 |title=Bielema has 'burning desire to achieve' |url=https://qctimes.com/sports/bielema-has-burning-desire-to-achieve/article_8b82e110-6e14-11e0-a6eb-001cc4c03286.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021800/https://qctimes.com/sports/bielema-has-burning-desire-to-achieve/article_8b82e110-6e14-11e0-a6eb-001cc4c03286.html |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=The Quad-City Times |language=en}}

Bielema married Jen Hielsberg on March 10, 2012, in Madison.{{Cite web |last=Mulhern |first=Tom |date=April 1, 2011 |title=UW football: Bielema announces engagement |url=http://host.madison.com/sports/blog/article_d01ae32a-5c82-11e0-bef0-001cc4c03286.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408151013/http://host.madison.com/sports/blog/article_d01ae32a-5c82-11e0-bef0-001cc4c03286.html |archive-date=April 8, 2011 |access-date=November 2, 2011 |website=Madison.com}}{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2011 |title=For Bielema family, toughness a trait passed from mother to son |url=http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062511aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908170504/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062511aaa.html |archive-date=September 8, 2011 |access-date=November 2, 2011 |website=University of Wisconsin}} Their first daughter, Briella, was born in 2017. Their second daughter, Brexli, was born in 2019.{{Cite web |title=Jen Bielema |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/jenbielema/status/1108157359245967360 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021803/https://mobile.twitter.com/jenbielema/status/1108157359245967360 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |website=Twitter}}

Arkansas sports radio personality Bo Mattingly debuted a series featuring Bielema entitled 'Being Bret Bielema' on February 25, 2016.{{Cite web |title=BEING Bret Bielema |url=http://www.beingbretbielema.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226092400/http://www.beingbretbielema.com/ |archive-date=February 26, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=BEING Bret Bielema}}

Head coaching record

{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = both }}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Wisconsin Badgers

| conf = Big Ten Conference

| startyear = 2006

| endyear = 2012

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2006

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 12–1

| conference = 7–1

| confstanding = T–2nd

| bowlname = Capital One

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = y

| ranking = 5

| ranking2 = 7

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2007

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 9–4

| conference = 5–3

| confstanding = 4th

| bowlname = Outback

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = 21

| ranking2 = 24

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2008

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 7–6

| conference = 3–5

| confstanding = T–6th

| bowlname = Champs Sports

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2009

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 10–3

| conference = 5–3

| confstanding = T–4th

| bowlname = Champs Sports

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = 16

| ranking2 = 16

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2010

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 11–2

| conference = 7–1

| confstanding = T–1st

| bowlname = Rose

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 8

| ranking2 = 7

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2011

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 11–3

| conference = 6–2

| confstanding = 1st (Leaders)

| bowlname = Rose

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 11

| ranking2 = 10

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2012

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 8–5

| conference = 4–4

| confstanding = 3rd (Leaders)

| bowlname = Rose ‡

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Wisconsin

| overall = 68–24

| confrecord = 37–19

}}‡Did not coach bowl game.

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Arkansas Razorbacks

| conf = Southeastern Conference

| startyear = 2013

| endyear = 2017

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2013

| name = Arkansas

| overall = 3–9

| conference = 0–8

| confstanding = 7th (Western)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2014

| name = Arkansas

| overall = 7–6

| conference = 2–6

| confstanding = 7th (Western)

| bowlname = Texas

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2015

| name = Arkansas

| overall = 8–5

| conference = 5–3

| confstanding = T–3rd (Western)

| bowlname = Liberty

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2016

| name = Arkansas

| overall = 7–6

| conference = 3–5

| confstanding = T–5th (Western)

| bowlname = Belk

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2017

| name = Arkansas

| overall = 4–8

| conference = 1–7

| confstanding = 7th (Western)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Arkansas

| overall = 29–34

| confrecord = 11–29

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Illinois Fighting Illini

| conf = Big Ten Conference

| startyear = 2021

| endyear =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2021

| name = Illinois

| overall = 5–7

| conference = 4–5

| confstanding = 5th (West)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2022

| name = Illinois

| overall = 8–5

| conference = 5–4

| confstanding = T–2nd (West)

| bowlname = ReliaQuest

| bowloutcome = L

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2023

| name = Illinois

| overall = 5–7

| conference = 3–6

| confstanding = T–4th (West)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2024

| name = Illinois

| overall = 10–3

| conference = 6–3

| confstanding = T–5th

| bowlname = Citrus

| bowloutcome = W

| ranking = 16

| ranking2 = 16

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Illinois

| overall = 28–22

| confrecord = 18–18

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record End

| overall = 125–80

| yearstart = 2010

| yearend =

| poll = two

| polltype =

}}

*Ohio State was the Big Ten Leaders Division champion, but third place Wisconsin represented the division in the Big Ten Championship Game due to the fact that Ohio State and second place Penn State were both ineligible from post-season play by the NCAA.

‡Bielema left for Arkansas before the bowl game and the ranking reflects the team's ranking at the time of Bielema's departure.

References

External links

[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bret-bielema-1.html Coaching statistics] at Sports Reference
[https://fightingillini.com/staff-directory/bret-bielema/1775 Illinois Fighting Illini bio]

{{Navboxes

|list1=

}}

Category:1970 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football defensive linemen

Category:American football offensive linemen

Category:Arkansas Razorbacks football coaches

Category:Illinois Fighting Illini football coaches

Category:Iowa Hawkeyes football players

Category:Iowa Hawkeyes football coaches

Category:Kansas State Wildcats football coaches