Bret Bielema is the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, as of 2024. Bielema has held his position since 2021. During his prep career, he played as a tight end and linebacker in high school.

Bielema, as usual, just tried to shrug it off as part of the game. “Football game,” Bielema said. “I think the best thing to happen, we got ourselves in a bowl that means a lot to this ...