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Bret Bielema, Illinois announce new long-term extension for head coach

Kate Norum

By Kate Norum

Published:

Bret Bielema won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Illinois’ head coach, Bielema signed a new six-year contract extension, made public Tuesday morning by Illinois Football. His new contract will run through at least the end of the 2028 season.

Bielema’s annual salary will grow to $6 million, up from $4.3 million this past season. Bielema will have the opportunity for various annual bonuses and raises, including a $500,000 annual retention incentive, per Illinois Football. The contract also will provide up to four, one-year extensions if certain performance thresholds are met.

Here’s what Bielema had to say bout the deal via press release:

First, thank you to Josh Whitman, our administration, Chancellor Jones, and the Board of Trustees for their support and commitment to our football program. Thanks to our outstanding coaches, staff, and student-athletes, I am proud of the progress we have made in two years and I could not be more excited about where our program is going.

With increased success on the field for 2022, Bielema has been a huge component of Illinois and its recruiting. As the success continues to grow, we shall see what 2023 brings the Fighting Illini.

For now, Illinois will finish the 2022 season at the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2 at noon ET against Mississippi State in Tampa, Fla.

Kate Norum

Kate Norum covers college football for Saturday Tradition. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in journalism and has always been passionate about sports. Follow Kate on Twitter @katenorum