Illinois rewards Bielema with new 6-year contract

Illinois has agreed to a new six-year contract with head coach Bret Bielema that runs through the end of the 2030 season, the program announced Tuesday.

"I want to thank Bret for his exceptional leadership and bold vision for the future of Fighting Illini Football," athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. "... Under Bret's guidance, our program has gained national relevance and is steadily rewriting the Illinois record books. As a former player, it is a privilege to partner with him to develop and execute a plan aimed at achieving sustained success. The future of our program has never been brighter. I value Bret's friendship and look forward to accelerating our upward trajectory in the years to come."

Bielema added that "the best is yet to come."

Illinois won 10 games under Bielema in 2024, tying the football program's record for most wins in a season. The Fighting Illini ended their campaign with a victory over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.

Bielema has a record of 28-22 since joining the Illinois sideline in 2021. In addition to his 10-3 campaign in 2024, he also went 8-5 in 2022. His two other seasons with the Fighting Illini had identical 5-7 records.

His 28-22 mark trails only Mike White's 30-19-1 record for best start through 50 games by a head coach in Illinois history.