Josh Whitman’s tenure as Athletic Director has been marked with bringing big names to Illinois. He brought in a well-regarded NFL coach in Lovie Smith in his first move and also was able to reel in a rising Brad Underwood, both moves helping stabilize and bring the respective programs back to relevance.
The hiring of Bret Bielema this offseason was no different. Bielema has had a long journey through various programs and learned from some of the best in football history, and he has the results to show it.
Iowa - 1994-2001 (Grad Assistant, later LB Coach)
Bielema played under legendary football coach Hayden Fry from 1989-92 for the Hawkeyes and was also the team captain his senior season.