History of Bret Bielema in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 23, 2025

Bret Bielema is an American football coach currently heading the Illinois Fighting Illini (since 2021). Previously, he coached Wisconsin (2006-2012), leading them to a 68-24 record and three Rose Bowl appearances. He then coached Arkansas (2013-2017), with a 29-34 record. Bielema also spent three seasons as an NFL assistant coach with the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

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Full Timeline

January 13, 1970: Bret Bielema's Birth

On January 13, 1970, Bret Arnold Bielema was born. He is an American football coach.

Others born on this day/year

2001: First 10 win season since 2001

In 2024, The Illini finished the season with a 10–3 record, which marked their first 10 win season since 2001.

July 2005: Alvarez Announces Retirement and Bielema as Successor

In July 2005, Barry Alvarez announced his retirement as head coach after the 2005 season and would become the Badger athletic director. Alvarez also announced that Bret Bielema would be his successor, taking over in 2006.

January 1, 2007: Wisconsin Wins Capital One Bowl

On January 1, 2007, Bret Bielema's Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 17-14 in the Capital One Bowl. This victory made Bielema the third coach in NCAA history to win 12 games in his rookie season, finishing 12-1. He was also named Big Ten Coach of the Year.

October 16, 2010: Wisconsin Defeats #1 Ohio State

On October 16, 2010, Bret Bielema's Wisconsin Badgers defeated the #1-ranked Ohio State 31-18 in Madison. It was Wisconsin's first victory over a #1-ranked team since 1981.

2011: First Bowl game win since 2011

In 2024, the Illini finished the season with a 10-3 record, marking their first bowl game win since 2011.

March 10, 2012: Marriage to Jen Hielsberg

On March 10, 2012, Bret Bielema married Jen Hielsberg in Madison.

2017: Birth of daughter

In 2017, Bret Bielema's first daughter, Briella, was born.

2019: Birth of second daughter

In 2019, Bret Bielema's second daughter, Brexli, was born.

January 21, 2020: Bielema Hired by the Giants

On January 21, 2020, Bret Bielema was hired by the New York Giants as their outside linebackers coach and senior assistant under Joe Judge.

December 19, 2020: Bielema Named Head Coach at Illinois

On December 19, 2020, Bret Bielema was announced as the next head coach at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. He received a six-year contract with a starting salary of $4.2 million.

2024: Illini Season

In 2024, Bret Bielema's Illini team started the season with a 4-0 record, including wins against Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks, and No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers, achieving a No. 19 national ranking. They lost to No. 9 Penn State, won against No. 24 Michigan Wolverines, lost to No. 1 Oregon and Minnesota Golden Gophers, then won three straight games including against Rutgers. They ended the regular season reclaiming the Land of Lincoln Trophy against Northwestern Wildcats and accepted an invitation to the 2024 Citrus Bowl against No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks, winning with a 10-3 record, their first 10-win season since 2001 and first bowl win since 2011.

May 2025: Contract Extension

In May 2025, Bret Bielema and Illinois agreed to a new contract that would keep Bielema signed through the 2030 season, with an annual salary starting at $7.7 million for the 2025 season.