Bret Bielema contract extension: Illinois rewards coach with new deal amid impressive turnaround for program

Bret Bielema has agreed to a six-year contract extension with Illinois by way of the top of the 2028 season, the varsity introduced on Tuesday. Bielema is 13-11 in two seasons since taking on the Preventing Illini program. 

“First, thanks to [athletic director] Josh Whitman, our administration, chancellor [Robert] Jones, and the Board of Trustees for his or her assist and dedication to our soccer program,” mentioned Bielema. “Due to our excellent coaches, employees, and student-athletes, I’m happy with the progress we have now made in two years and I couldn’t be extra enthusiastic about the place our program goes.”

Bielema has orchestrated a formidable turnaround of the Illini program throughout his two years on the helm. Illinois completed the common season at is 8-4 and earned a berth within the ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Mississippi State, the primary bowl berth for this system since 2019. The Illini have been additionally ranked No. 16 within the first version of the Faculty Soccer Playoff Rankings this season. 

“In his first two years as head coach of the Preventing Illini, Bret Bielema has led a resurgence of Illinois Soccer that had our group competing for a spot within the Huge Ten Championship Sport and enjoying in a New 12 months’s Day bowl sport,” mentioned Whitman. “He has assembled an distinctive employees, developed the prevailing gamers on our roster, and recruited proficient student-athletes to affix our program. He has labored tirelessly, with an eye fixed for element and super aggressive urgency, to set a brand new commonplace of excellence for Preventing Illini Soccer. Maybe most significantly, he has introduced a direct identification to our soccer program and represented the College of Illinois with class, humility, and confidence.”

The identification is ideal

Whitman referenced the identification of this system, which is essential. Bielema has traditionally constructed his packages by successful on the line of scrimmage on each side of the ball, pounding the rock and carrying opponents down. That is precisely what Illinois did this yr as junior operating again Chase Brown rushed for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns. It was his second straight 1,000-yard season with the Illini, which unsurprisingly coincided with Bielema’s arrival in Champaign. and their offensive line was named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award. The protection led the Huge Ten in whole protection (263.8 yards per sport), scoring protection (12.3 factors per sport) and pink zone landing protection (37.04%). 

Stability within the new period

UCLA and USC are headed to the Huge Ten in a number of years, and a powerful basis from the opposite groups within the convention is crucial as a way to compete within the new period of the league. The steadiness that Bielema’s long-term extension supplies signifies that the Illini shall be set and able to go. The size of the deal proves the administration understands that its aim for this system will not change and validates the dedication to its path. One of the vital components for achievement in school soccer is the synergy from the highest down, and Bielema’s marriage with Illinois is ideal.