The Champaign Room · Aug 9, 2021
Bielema’s Journey to Illinois
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesJosh 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)