Editor’s note: This news report was written by Dave Selvig of Quad-City Times newspaper. The Editor shortened the information. Bret Bielema is an area Illinois success story. Born in Silvis, he grew up in Prophetstown.
University of Illinois Head Football Coach Bret Bielema recently signed a new, six-year contract. He is now signed through the 2030 season. Bielema’s agreement would extend by two years, to June 30, 2031, with the opportunity to earn up-to-four, one-year extensions. Should Bielema meet certain performance benchmarks, he could extend the deal through 2035.
The new contract includes protections for Illinois, should Bielema–a former player and Assistant Coach at University of Iowa–leave for another job.
Since Bielema took over in 2021, average home attendance of Illini games has increased by an average of 19,403 per game. He led the Illini to ten wins and a bowl-game victory over South Carolina last season. The ten wins tied the school record for most in a season. In his four years in Champaign, the Illini have a record of 28-22.
Athletic Director Josh Whitman stated, “Under Bret’s guidance, our program has gained National relevance and is steadily rewriting the Illinois record books.”
He will make $7.7 million under the new pact, up from the $6 million he made, after the two sides agreed to a new contract after the 2022 season.